Saturday 13th August 2016 ko 17.15

South West Peninsula League Division One West

BUDE TOWN 6 (B Hopcroft 45p 48 69 Hill 55 72 Potter 67)

LISKEARD ATHLETIC 2 (Lorenz 20 Styring 31) Bartlett (Foul & Abusive Language) 48

Att c50 at Lux Park, Liskeard

Entry £4

Programme £1

In a purely groundhopping perspective the unfortunate spilling of engine oil on Bude’s pitch turned up an interesting double. It meant their tie with Liskeard was switched to Lux Park with Bude surrendering home advantage, this wasn’t a case of the away tie being brought forward. But with Liskeard’s home staging a reserve game at 3pm, the first XI game was simply played straight afterwards.

If visiting St Blazey was about a club struggling at a level above where they’d found success then this was all about a club trying to find a place for themselves after their halcyon days.

Those were from 1979 to 1995 when the club plyed its trade in the Western League a time that included a championship in 1988. The club voluntarily dropped two divisions back into the South Western League, but were placed in the Premier Division of the Peninsula League on its formation in 2007. Sadly since that point the club almost always struggled at Step 6, and were relegated in 2014.

If this game was anything to go by those struggles continue. Whilst Lux Park remains one of the best and quirkiest in the league, the team’s frailties eventually came to the service. Here the pivotal point was the dismissal of captain Jack Bartlett for a verbal volley at referee Jake Webster. From being 2-0 up they collapsed alarmingly and for anyone who holds the club in any regard this reverse should ring alarm bells.

It was lovely to revisit Lux Park, I’d forgotten about the retro tea bar, and the welcome was as friendly as it was when I last called in 6 years ago. I just hope Liskeard find a way back to something like former glories.

As for Bude, I understand that the oil spill has been dealt with, and normal fixtures are now in order.