Saturday, February 9

Verde Recreo Hockey League

Southern Two

Ashmoor A 5

DESPITE taking an early lead through Kristof Saunders, Bude fell to a second successive defeat by an impressive Ashmoor A outfit at Budehaven Sports Centre.

The home side got off to the best possible start and opened the scoring within two minutes as Saunders’ powerful shot deflected off the goalkeeper’s pads to nestle neatly in the goal.

The perfect start could not be sustained and as Ashmoor began to dominate the midfield they created numerous overload attacks down both sides of the pitch. It was from this type of play they drew level as a cross from the right-hand side was met by an unmarked player on the penalty spot, where he calmly slotted home from close-range. A second and third followed in similar fashion as Bude were unable to keep the Ashburton-based club contained as the visitors took a well-deserved 3-1 lead into the break.

Bude tried to right their wrongs from the first-half but more poor choices and execution from all sections of the pitch did not help their situation as whatever they tried, made little difference.

Ashmoor’s youthful side continued to dominate and despite man-of-the-match Dan Jourdain’s heroic efforts in the centre of defence, there was little more he could do as an extremely skilful duo for Ashmoor ran the show as they added a further two efforts before the hour mark.

Bude upped their game during the last ten minutes showing true grit, determination and a never-say-die attitude even though the game was realistically beyond them.

Some excellent chances were created, most notably by Jared Slade who forced the keeper to produce an excellent save in his top corner from a one-touch shot.

Late on, Tom Fry powered up the pitch from his left-back position and after a neat one-two pass he found himself on the edge of the D from where he let rip a sweet reverse stick strike which went low and hard into the bottom corner but it was too little too late against their impressive opponents.

Team spokesman, Andy Davis, said: “Overall, Ashmoor played some excellent hockey which at times looked so simple yet was far from it, and were worthy winners in the end which sees them leapfrog us into fifth place.

“We have a near impossible task on Saturday as we face the runaway league leaders Caradon away from home, but we can play with less pressure knowing a win is highly unlikely. That said, we will be desperate to put in a good performance to set us up for the following weeks to come as we’ll have half an eye on the teams below us as we could easily get sucked into the relegation battle if we’re not careful.”