REQUEST
It is that time of year when the club puts out a request for volunteers to do some work on the ground. We have an immediate request for painters and decorators to do some work on the new boardroom. If you can help the club in any way, please contact Dave on 07817921741.

LATEST
The first confirmed pre-season match will be away at Central Midlands League side Hatfield Main on Saturday 5th of July at 3pm.
Pre-season training for the Bucks is starting on the 26th of June in Barnsley and John Reed is requesting that anybody wanting a trial is more than welcome to attend the first 3 or 4 sessions for assessment. Please email me HERE for John's number and he has stressed that anyone is welcome to go along especially players from the High Peak area.

NEWS
It is looking like 6 teams out and 7 in for the UniBond Premier league next season as numbers are increased back up to 22 clubs. Fleetwood and Gateshead have been promoted, Lincoln United, Stamford and Leek have been relegated and it looks like Hednesford may be transferred to the Southern League. In come Leigh RMI, Vauxhall Motors and Hucknall, relegated from the Blue Square North and promoted clubs Cammell Laird, Nantwich Town, Bradford Park Avenue and FC United of Manchester. There is still some talk of Halifax Town dropping into the UniBond through financial problems, which would mean a reprieve for Hucknall, and also Worksop are facing an uncertain future having been locked out of their ground last week.
The UniBond season starts a week earlier next term which means our home pre-season campaign is due to start on Friday 11th of July with the visit of a high profile League side. Other pre-season fixtures are being planned at the moment with hopefully at least 3 more leagues sides being attracted to the Silverlands, a possible match with a League of Wales side and a couple of away games, one of which should be at Clitheroe as part of the deal that brought Gregg Anderson to the club. Full details of pre-season fixtures and news on season tickets will be posted on here when known.
One other significant change over the next month is the BFC website that will have a complete overhaul and it is hoped will be one of the best in non-league soccer when complete. We have some work to do in it before it goes live and will be still available at www.buxtonfc.co.uk.

DEFEAT AT GATESHEAD IN PLAY-OFF FINAL
Gateshead earned promotion to the Blue Square North with a 2-0 victory over the Bucks on Saturday afternoon in the UniBond play-off final. The teams went in level at the break but second half strikes from Kris Gate and Paul Brayson beat a spirited Buxton side who have had a tremendous season despite this result.
Match report to follow.

FRIDAY NEWS
Buxton FC merchandise including scarves, shirts and the new pin badges will be available at Gateshead tomorrow. If you require anything please contact Chris Brindley on 07778163856.

Gateshead FC have assured anybody travelling from Buxton that the other events taking place at the stadium on Saturday will not interfere with the match. A large following is again expected to travel from the Silverlands for the vital play-off final.

Manager John Reed will again have a fully fit squad to choose from for the UniBond play-off final at Gateshead on Saturday. Not too many changes are expected following the thrilling semi-final win at Witton last Tuesday although Paul Walker, James Turley and Tony Lennon will all be fighting for a start.
Gateshead have had 2 convincing victories over the Bucks this season but they were both against weakened Buxton sides. The hosts will be clear favourites for the tie but like last Tuesday (Witton had also done the league double over Buxton) it will be all about what happens on the day and when things click, as we have seen all season, the Bucks are a match for anyone in the league.
The message from the Buxton management team will be 'go out and win it' and everybody in the High Peak will be wishing John and the lads all the best luck in the world.

THURSDAY NEWS
There is a supporters coach going to Gateshead on Saturday, which is nearly full, and the last few seats can be booked by ringing Dave on 07817921741. The coach departs the Silverlands at 9-30 and will cost £12 if all the seats are sold.

Video highlights from Tuesday's play-off semi-final win at Witton can be found on the Albion website HERE.

PENALTY SUCCESS FOR BUCKS
The Bucks produced their best performance of the season to win through to the final of the UniBond Premier play-off following the penalties win at Witton Albion on Tuesday night. Witton had already done the league 'double' over the Bucks but last night they seemed a shadow of the team that had taken the league by storm until the last few weeks as Buxton dominated for lengthy periods. Neil Ross gave Buxton the lead just before the break, following up a Maxfield shot that Kennedy in the Witton goal couldn't hold on to. After the break Buxton held the upper hand until the closing minutes when, after sustained Albion pressure, leading scorer Adam Warlow pounced after Hartley could only parry a corner. Extra time saw chances for both sides but it was the Bucks who won through 7-6 on penalties with Gregg Anderson (pictured) converting the winning spot-kick.
Buxton now travel to Gateshead on Saturday (3pm kick-off) for the play-off final in what must be one of the most important games in the club's long history. And to think it will be just six years to the day on Saturday that the club finished next to bottom in the NCEL Prem and only avoided relegation to the 1st division thanks to the demise of Denaby United. How times change!
Match report to follow.

PRESENTATION PICTURES
Pictures from the recent presentation night and all of this season's monthly awards can be found HERE.

WITTON PREVIEW
The match at Witton on Tuesday night must be one of the biggest games in the club's history. John Reed and the rest of the management and players have done a superb job in gaining a play-off spot but the message now is 'let's go and win it'. A massive following from Buxton is expected to descend on Wincham Park to cheer on the Bucks who will clearly start has underdogs against the team that came so close to winning the UniBond Premier title but in end of season play-offs, anything is possible.
Witton looked to be cruising to the title with only a few weeks of the season remaining but Fleetwood had a tremendous run-in, winning all of their games in hand and crucially beating Witton at Wincham Park at the end of March. Last Saturday's surprising 3-0 home reversal to Worksop Town handed the championship to Fleetwood despite themselves only drawing at home to Frickley.
The hosts have the advantage of already doing the league double over the Bucks and can boast the league's leading scorer, Adam Warlow, in their ranks. But Buxton manager John Reed should have a virtual full squad to choose from with everybody, apart from long-term injury victim Steve Ridley, now available.
Live coverage of the match can be found on High Peak Radio.

DEFEAT AT GATESHEAD BUT WITTON IT IS IN PLAY-OFFS
A much-changed Buxton side went down 5-0 at Gateshead on Saturday afternoon but this match was all about preparation for the play-offs next week.
With Eastwood winning at Leek, the Bucks finish 5th in the table and face a trip to Witton Albion on Tuesday who lost the one automatic place to Fleetwood following a 3-0 home reversal to Worksop. There was over 2500 at Fleetwood to witness them gain promotion to the Conference North with a 1-1 draw at home to Frickley and Guiseley narrowly miss out on a play-off place despite beating Kendal 2-1.
The relegation issue went down to the wire with Stamford and neighbours Leek joining Lincoln United in the UniBond 1st Division next season. Leek going down on goal difference from Ossett Town and Ilkeston.
Match report from Gateshead to follow.
Saturday's results…
Fleetwood Town 1-1 Frickley Athletic 2666
Gateshead 5-0 Buxton 345
Guiseley 2-1 Kendal Town 412
Hednesford Town 0-1 North Ferriby United 408
Leek Town 1-3 Eastwood Town 469
Lincoln United 2-3 Prescot Cables 124
Marine 3-2 Stamford 578
Matlock Town 2-3 Ashton United 382
Whitby Town 4-0 Ilkeston Town 489
Witton Albion 0-3 Worksop Town 662

GATESHEAD PREVIEW
Buxton travel to Gateshead on Saturday with manager John Reed not giving anything away to the hosts with a possible return trip in the play-offs next Tuesday night. Several players will be rested for the clash that if Buxton win will definitely mean a trip back to the North East on Tuesday and a draw or defeat will then all depend on how Eastwood get on at Leek. There is a chance that if Buxton draw and Eastwood have a narrow win, both teams could have identical records for the season. Gateshead performed superbly at the Silverlands last week in their 4-0 success and it will be interesting to see what side they put on the pitch with the play-offs looming.
It is a very interesting day all round in the Premier League with Fleetwood (home to Frickley) knowing a win will guarantee the championship at the expense of long-time leaders Witton who are at home to Worksop. Eastwood need a victory at Leek to secure a play-off place while, if they slip, Guiseley can claim 5th spot with victory at home to Kendal. Seven clubs can still finish in the two remaining relegation places and join Lincoln back in the 1st Divisions, so it is a crucial day all round.

PLAY OFF NEWS
We now know for certain that we will be away in the semi-finals of the play-off and whoever we play the match will be on Tuesday 29th of April at 7-45. If we finsih fourth in the league, we will be at Gateshead and finishing fifth will mean a trip to either Witton Albion or Fleetwood.

PLAY -OFF PLACE SECURED
On-loan striker Jason Bradley was the match-ball winning hero for the Bucks on Tuesday night when his hat-trick put the club into the play-offs for the UniBond Premier League. The match with Frickley was always going to be a tough affair but Bradley's double strike, plus one for Neil Ross, ensured that the vital 3 points were wrapped up early in the match and the visitors were further hampered with the red card for midfielder Jon Broome. Frickley actually came more into the match when down to 10 men but a further strike from Bradley on 64 minutes put the icing on the play-off cake and it is just a case of seeing who the Bucks play in the semi-final with all sorts of permutations available on the last Saturday of the season.
Match report to follow.
Tuesday's results…
Buxton 4-0 Frickley Athletic 414
Leek Town 1-2 Fleetwood Town 467

FRICKLEY PREVIEW
Surely this match will get played with no problems on Tuesday night as the elements and cup commitments have prevented the clash from being played on numerous occasions in the last 5 and a half months! And what an important match it has turned out to be for the Bucks with 3 points required to guarantee a play-off place. Frickley, despite being only 2 points off a relegation place, are already safe (if my calculations are correct) because Ossett Town have finished their season with 44 points, one less than Frickley, Matlock and Ashton, and with Ilkeston playing at Whitby, points must be dropped by either one or both of them. Lincoln, of course are already down.
The visitors had a terrible start to the campaign but since mid-November their stats are virtually identical to Buxton's with 40 points gained from 23 matches and have scored 3 more goals. They have been grateful for the goals of Towler and Lee Morris, who had a short stint at Buxton a number of years ago.
Buxton have been hit hard by injuries in the last few weeks but Tony Lennon came back strong from a bout of flu last Saturday against Marine and James Turley (pictured) made a good impact from the bench so there shouldn't be too many changes from the squad for the Frickley match. The impressive crowd against Marine on Saturday did their best to create a great atmosphere and Buxton officials are hoping for a similar turnout on Tuesday for this vital clash which kicks off at 7-45.

BUCKS BACK FROM THE DEAD
Despite falling two goals behind just after the hour mark, Buxton bounced back to earn a vital point against Marine at the Silverlands on Saturday afternoon. The visitors from Crosby enjoy a superb record at the Silverlands with no defeats in their previous 16 visits, but early on in the match they found themselves under severe pressure from the Bucks who were playing with the strong easterly wind on their backs. Despite the constant pressure it was Marine who took the lead through Lee Parle on 35 minutes after good work from the ever-dangerous Paul Woolcott.
It was always going to be hard work for the Bucks playing into the wind after the break and it got harder when Marine were awarded a penalty on 61 minutes which Steve Hussey slotted away. Buxton were thrown a lifeline 15 minutes later when 'Keeper Ralph was adjudged to have fouled Walker in the crowded goal-area and Buxton's leading goalscorer, Jason Bradley (pictured), netted from the spot. The large Silverlands crowd were jumping for joy when Michael Towey continued his recent good scoring form when he equalised on 83 minutes and as the entertaining game drew to a finish there were chances at both ends with Balfe unlucky at the death with a header that went wide.
With both Eastwood and Guiseley winning on Saturday, it is now a case of Buxton requiring 3 points from their last 2 matches to guarantee a play-off place.
Match report to follow and also pictures from last night's presentation evening.
Saturday's results…
Ashton United 0-1 Gateshead 147
Buxton 2-2 Marine 667
Eastwood Town 3-0 Lincoln United 219
Ilkeston Town 0-1 Leek Town 386
Kendal Town 2-1 Matlock Town 277
North Ferriby United 1-1 Witton Albion 334
Ossett Town 0-1 Hednesford Town 177
Prescot Cables 1-0 Whitby Town 306
Stamford 0-3 Fleetwood Town 326
Worksop Town 1-2 Guiseley 310

REQUEST FROM THE CLUB
Buxton Football Club are looking for a new programme editor for the start of the 2008/09 season. Due to work commitments I have regrettably had to stand down from the position but along with Tony, Sally and Paul, I will still be contributing but we need someone to take on the full responsibility of editing as well as publishing the programme before every home game, including pre-season matches.
Whoever takes on the position needs knowledge of a publishing programme, like Microsoft Publisher, Word or Serif etc as well as a good knowledge of non-league soccer and football in general. I will give full training but this is a responsible position within the club.
I can be contacted on 07773947869 or mailed HERE

FOOTBALL FANTIME PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Listeners of High Peak Radio's popular Football Fantime are being asked
to nominate their player of the year. Lines are now open and the winner
will be announced on the last show of the season, on Wednesday May 7th,
and presented with the trophy shortly after.
There are three ways of voting:
By phoning: 01298 81 33 77
By emailing: fantime@highpeakradio.co.uk
By faxing: 01298 81 33 88
One vote per person, lines close at 9pm on Wednesday April 30th. Do your
bit to make sure a Buxton player is the winner.

MARINE PREVIEW
Another crucial clash at the Silverlands this Saturday with Buxton taking on Marine with a 3-00 kick-off. Following last Tuesday's results, the Bucks now know that they need 4 points from their last 3 games to guarantee a play-off place but Saturday's match will be far from easy against a Marine side that will be wanting revenge following Buxton's victory on Merseyside last December.
The visitors were in contention for a play-off place until a few weeks ago but have suffered from a combination of injuries and suspensions that has resulted in a big dip in form but with the likes of striker Peter Cumiskey and ex-Liverpool Youth Captain, Phil Brazier, in their side, they are capable of beating most sides in the league on their day. The other factor in their favour on Saturday is the history of matches at the Silverlands in the last few seasons. Remarkably Marine are unbeaten in their last 16 visits to Buxton which has included 12 victories.
John Reed is able to welcome back Gregg Anderson (pictured) from suspension for the encounter but there are still injury doubts over several players with fitness tests being carried out before the match. The manager has put out a request for Buxton supporters to turn out in numbers for the remaining two home matches for maximum atmosphere to carry the team into the play-offs.
Saturday's programme includes, as well as all the usual features, an article on ex-Buck, Peter 'local' Lomas who is celebrating a birthday and very kindly sponsoring the match to celebrate the day.

BUCKS STRUGGLE AGAINST IMPRESSIVE GATESHEAD
Gateshead's fine run of form continued at the Silverlands last night with a devastating display in a 4-0 win over the Bucks with the home crowd giving the visitors deserved applause at the end of the match.
Buxton started brightly but the visitors came more into the game as the first half progressed and took the lead on 39 minutes through a deflected Phil Cave shot. Just a minute later, Michael Towey (Buxton's best player on the night) couldn't believe his luck when ex-Buxton 'keeper Paul Musselwhite pulled off a superb save and the same thing happened just after the break with 'Mussy' denying Towey once more. The impressive David Southern doubled the lead on 58 minutes and the floodgates started to open with Gateshead looking much fitter and benefiting from some superb passing. Further goals came from substitute Steve Bowey and Kris Gate with a combination of the woodwork and some great saves from Hartley keeping the score down. There was time for Musselwhite to deny Towey again in the closing minutes with a save low down to his right but it wasn't to be the Bucks night and the Buxton management will be hoping for some relief on the injury front before Saturday's match with Marine but they will have Gregg Anderson available after suspension.
Match report to follow.
Tuesday's results…
Buxton 0-4 Gateshead 385
Eastwood Town 1-1 Worksop Town 300
Leek Town 1-0 Guiseley 249
Matlock Town 4-2 Kendal Town 243
Witton Albion 3-0 Frickley Athletic 454

PRESENTATION NIGHT REMINDER
Saturday 19th of April (After the Marine match)
Karaoke, Disco and Refreshments
£5 Tickets available from behind the bar.

GATESHEAD PREVIEW
Buxton are back in Silverlands action on Tuesday night with a vital clash against third-placed Gateshead, Kick off 7-45. Following Buxton's frustrating defeat at Fleetwood on Saturday and Eastwood's come-back against Ossett Town, the Bucks need to get something from the match to help their play-off chances with Buxton, Eastwood and Guiseley fighting it out for the remaining two places.
The visitors from the North East are in tremendous form at the moment with 7 victories and a draw in their last 8 matches and they are now all but guaranteed to finish third in the league with a home match in the play-offs against the fourth placed side to look forward to.
Gregg Anderson serves the last match of his ban on Tuesday and there is a chance that the Bucks injury list could be easing for the clash but with three more important games coming up before possible play-off matches, John Reed may opt for the same squad as Saturday. Reed himself missed the clash at Fleetwood through illness so it will be a welcome return to the dugout for the clash with Gateshead.
With no major games on tv on Tuesday night, Buxton officials are urging supporters to turn out in numbers for this important clash with one of the form sides in the division. Tuesday's programme features a groundhopper's view of our recent clash at home to Fleetwood, a report on ex-Buxton forwards in fine scoring form, March's player-of-the-month picture special, Bridlington away 2003 remembered plus all the usual facts and figures.

LATE PENALTY BLOW FOR BUCKS
Battling Buxton went down 2-1 at Fleetwood on Saturday afternoon despite a very spirited performance against championship contender's Fleetwood. Lacking three regular defenders, the Bucks fell behind early on to a free-header by Nathan Pond but battled back and got their just rewards before the break with Michael Towey scoring following a Neil Ross knock-down from a corner. Chances were created at both ends but following a couple of other penalty claims, Fleetwood were awarded a spot-kick that Jamie Milligan despatched to give the hosts the points.
Eastwood came back from 2 down at the break to beat Ossett Town 3-2 and with Guiseley losing at Witton, things are certainly going to be tense in the last 2 weeks of the season in the fight for the play-off places.
Match report to follow.
Saturday's results…
Eastwood Town 3-2 Ossett Town 200
Fleetwood Town 2-1 Buxton 1074
Frickley Athletic 2-1 Ilkeston Town 388
Gateshead 3-0 Prescot Cables 272
Hednesford Town 0-2 Ashton United 401
Leek Town 2-3 Stamford 264
Lincoln United 2-3 North Ferriby United 122
Whitby Town 2-0 Marine 296
Witton Albion 1-0 Guiseley 591
Worksop Town 1-1 Kendal Town 248

FINAL SCORE
Fleetwood 2 (Pond (11 and a pen on 85)
Buxton 1 Towey (41)
Website updated later tonight

IMPORTANT FLEETWOOD INFORMATION
For those going on Saturday, I have been told by a Fleetwood official this afternoon that Buxton supporters will not be permitted entry into the social club at the ground. They are expecting their biggest crowd of the season and they will be struggling for room.
FTFC have arranged for Buxton supporters to be entertained in the Queens Public House which is just 5 minutes walk from the ground. There is room there for the mini-bus and several supporters cars and there is live football on Sky that dinner time.
Detailed directions to the pub HERE via a google link. ‘A’ being where you exit the main A585 into Fleetwood (this roundabout has a statue of Eros upon it!). ‘B’ is the ‘Queens’ and ‘C’ is the nearest turnstile entrance to the stadium.
The Queens,
Poulton Road, Fleetwood,
FY7 8PR,
Tel: 01253 876 740

MIDWEEK RESULTS
Tuesday
Leek Town 5-0 Kendal Town 192
Lincoln United 0-3 Fleetwood Town 110
Stamford 1-1 Gateshead 153

Monday
Ashton United 1-3 Marine 142

MATCH OFF
Tonight's match against Frickley Athletic has been called off due to a waterlogged Silverlands pitch. The match will now be played on Tuesday 22nd of April at 7-45.

LOCAL LADS IN FRAME
John Reed will hand a full debut to local forward Mark Balfe in tonight's important clash with Frickley. Their is also a chance that midfielder Jack Grindey could feature in the 14 for the first time.

FRICKLEY PREVIEW
Buxton entertain Frickley at the Silverlands this Tuesday (KO 7-45) in the last of their run of three home games in the last seven days. John Reed will be looking for an improvement following last Saturday's draw with Eastwood Town when he kept the team in the dressing room for a number of minutes after the final whistle. Buxton are sweating on the fitness of one or two players following two tough home encounters but Paul Walker will be pushing for a start following his display from the bench last Saturday and local lad Mark Balfe should again be on the bench after his cameo display nearly brought a winner against the Badgers. The Bucks still require 8 points from the last 5 matches to guarantee a play-off spot and with a double-header against Gateshead and a trip to Fleetwood still to come, victory over Frickley would be very useful indeed.
The visitors have had a remarkable turn of fortune in the league since a disastrous start to the campaign. The return of Billy Heath to the Frickley hot seat brought about the change of form and they now sit in 14th place in the league. But with only 7 points separating 10th place from the relegation places, they still require at least two victories to ensure Premier League status next term. They will be without the services of Lee Morris (who had a very brief stint at the Silverlands in the pre-season on 2002) and Steve Robinson for the match who are both serving bans at the moment.

More news in the archive