This first half horror show, reminiscent of the evening at Ossett two months ago, came as a shock, and Division One South outfit Mickleover took full advantage.

Mickleover from the outset closed the Bucks down quickly, passed the ball better and benefited from one enforced error after another, taking the lead in the 12th minute.

After Dorryl Proffitt got to the by-line and pulled back his firm, low cross behind his advancing colleagues, Sports attacked on the left to leave O'Connell unmarked for a low shot inside the post.

Seven minutes later the home team doubled their advantage when the impressive Alex Steadman fastened onto a through ball to beat Backhouse.

Gregg Anderson's departure through illness saw Joe Wilcox move to centre defence and Neil Stevens to right back to accommodate the returning Michael Towey, and the substitute's outstanding performance was the brightest feature of an otherwise disappointing evening.

After 36 minutes the visitors were back in contention as Proffitt netted his first Buxton goal, following an almighty scramble.

The renewed optimism was not to last long, as twice within a minute the Bucks conceded goals. A distribution error by Backhouse was seized on by O'Connell for his second successful strike, then a Steadman shot was diverted by Wilcox past the wrong-footed keeper.

Determined to atone, the Bucks responded within seconds after the interval. Mark Reed's deft header allowed Geoff McGaw to make an accurate pass for Towey to shoot home low and convincingly.

Thereafter, the visitors largely dictated the play, but successive decision by the officials within the next few minutes probably denied a further comeback.

A penalty area collision between Reed and keeper White resulted merely in a corner, despite convincing howls for a spot kick. Then the striker was denied by a dubious offside decision when put clear by Proffitt's through ball.

Buxton continued to attack effectively, with Millar firing a screamer over the bar from 25 yards and a flowing four-man move ending with White's catch.

Three-quarter time brought the introduction of the returning Mark Balfe, who apart from his usual energy contributed several well-judged passes, and the Bucks again went close through a thundering Wilcox header.

Unfortunately, Backhouse repeated his first half error and this time it was Steadman who lobbed into the unguarded net from 35 yards.

Towey then shot over from 25 yards after some typically neat footwork, while Kieran Lugsden missed a good chance from a rebound off the keeper. The same player shot across the front of goal after Reed and Balfe had created the opportunity.

A Balfe-Towey move forced White to save with his legs, before Towey netted his second goal following neat McGaw work.