BUDE edged closer to promotion with a cracking 3-2 win against a well-organised and determined Falmouth side at Penryn College.

In glorious weather Bude started with the slope and wind behind them and after a promising start took the lead on nine minutes.

Thomas Hall picked the ball up in the attacking third and made an angle run to the space on the left where he fired a ball through the D at height and pace which perfectly intersected the defenders. This allowed Zack Davis to float in unmarked towards the back post where he had to stretch and superman dive through the air to meet the ball at waist height and deflect it into the goal.

The joy was short-lived as Falmouth responded well with a sustained attack of penalty corners and after their third in a row finally forced the ball over the line.

Undeterred, Bude stuck to the plan and the dominance resumed as they continued to create good chances from a variety of attacks.

Midway through the half, Bude were rewarded for their patient hard work as they eased the ball up the pitch.

With Saul Barraclough providing the masterful link between midfield and attack, he found Henry Gwynn-Thomas on the penalty spot who drew the keeper into a diving save before collecting the rebound and slotting it home on the reverse side to make it 2-1.

Having worked so hard to get the lead, Bude were not going to give it up and got through to half-time unscathed.

After the brief interlude, Falmouth began using the tailwind to launch some aerial attacks but once Bude had acknowledged their game plan and adjusted accordingly, they continued to win the mini battles all over the pitch.

Ten minutes into the second half and Bude had increased the lead to 3-1 with a well-worked penalty corner. They went short to Hall who angled the ball in for vice-captain Kristof Saunders to deflect it high into goal between the goalkeeper and the near post.

Despite having very little to play for in terms of league position, Falmouth were not going down without a fight and the momentum swung in their favour as they began to take a few more risks.

Bude tried to soak up the pressure but a weak pass back across the top of their defensive D was pounced upon and the home striker found the corner.

Falmouth continued to throw caution to the wind and substituted their goalkeeper for an extra outfield player, and the Seasiders didn’t help themselves when a late tackle was punished with a green card and temporary two-minute suspension.

Outnumbered, Bude battened down the hatches and went into full defensive and survival mode, but crucially navigated it to take the impetus out of the home fightback and secure those vital three points.

The man-of-the-match vote went to Zack Davis for his stunning goal, relentless wing play with slick ball skills.

The win meant Bude reduced the deficit on current league leaders Camborne School of Mines, who have finished their season to just two points.

Win at home to relegated Duchy Seconds on Saturday (11.30am) and Bude will be champions and secure a much-anticipated promotion to Division Two South.