Despite the sub-zero temperatures and frosty conditions at the North Cornwall pitch, a thorough warm up meant that Sidmouth started the match brightly. It seemed that, following a good win the previous week, some confidence had been restored in the Sidmouth side.

With this positive start, combined with the consumption of some pre-match energy drinks, it wasn’t long before the Sidmouth players built up pressure on the Bude defence.

This frustrated the opposition and they soon began to argue amongst themselves as Sidmouth maintained most of the possession and constructed several attacking moves. Against the run of play, it was Bude that scored first in a goalmouth scramble after picking up a loose ball in the circle as Sidmouth defended a short corner. Despite the setback Sidmouth rallied and Sara Roberts brought the scores back level with a cracking strike right into the corner of the goal.

Bude took the lead again in the second half, but when it looked like they might put they game beyond Sidmouth’s reach, stand in goalkeeper Suzanne Delasalle made some fine reaction saves, including deflecting some aerial shots to keep the deficit to a minimum.

At the other end Taryn Beuthin and Lea Pidgeon produced some aerial strikes on goal from the bouncy pitch but, unfortunately, these went just wide.

With Sidmouth pushing forward for another goal, their defence held strong and good team work from Chloe Munn, Janet Jones and Jodie Lane, ensured Bude couldn’t score on the counter-attack.

Bude tried to break down the Sidmouth attacks and, as they came under increasing pressure, two Bude players picked up green cards for not retreating far enough following infringements.

Karen Cann and Sarah Hutchings found space to exploit on the right wing and Lucy Broad and Chrissie Mitchell worked hard in the midfield to win the loose balls and keep Sidmouth’s attacking momentum.

The pressure paid off when Sidmouth equalised through a penalty corner, which was converted with precision.

The cleverly-worked routine involved Taryn Beuthin and Chrissie Mitchell passing the ball around the Bude defence for Jodie Lane to pick up at the left post and deflect past the stranded keeper.

Both teams searched for the elusive winning goal but, as time ran out, the scores remained tied, giving Sidmouth a well-deserved league point.

Dukes Player of the Match went to Sarah Thomas.

Tomorrow the team play top of the league Teign, at home at 2pm.