THE WENDRON United team have had a run of 12 consecutive wins but this came to an end when they crashed to a 3-2 defeat, at home to visitors Bude Town, in game number 13, writes Joss Bray.

Bude have been in the news recently, with their efforts to strengthen the team with a number of big-money signings with promotion the aim when football is re-organised in the season 2023/24. Gabriel Rogers looked like a quality player but Anker Orlando never left the subs bench.

Wendron started the game well and within 10 minutes took the lead. Joe Souch fed Ryan Reeve on the right and he produced a good cross that was converted by Josh Wood in the six-yard box.

The lead did not last long, the right-footed Tornado Bello was fouled in the box and referee Paul Kempen awarded a penalty, which was converted by Gabriel Rogers.

With Rogers causing havoc with his close dribbling skills, the Wendron goal was under threat with keeper Ethan Fearn making a great save from Bello.

On 25 minutes, Bude took the lead when long-standing player Billy Hopcroft,  operating on the left, picked up a loose ball on the edge of the penalty area and delivered an exquisite shot that bent into the far corner of the goal.

Bude were then awarded a corner which was met by central defender James Dart whose header at close range was punched into his own net by the unfortunate Fearn in a desperate effort to keep the ball out, leaving the half-time score 3-1 to the visitors.

After five minutes of the second half, Wendron had a great chance to reduce the arrears, after good work by Josh Wood who made a break down the left and produced a cross which Ryan Reeve was unable to convert.

Bude midfielder, Baga Mariko, was easily the best player on the field, with skill, stamina & determination. Throughout the game, it was clear Bude had a suspect defence and central striker Charlie Young was causing plenty problems for the Bude central defenders.

His brother Sam came on and Wendron dominated the last 15 minutes. Joe Souch was brought down in the penalty area and Charlie Young converted the spot kick, to make the score 3-2 to the visitors. With only five minutes left time ran out despite Wendron's brave fight back.