Tuesday 13th February BUXTON (0) 4 MATLOCK TOWN (1) 1 ATT. 589

CAWARDEN DERBYSHIRE SENIOR CUP, SEMI-FINAL

Four second-half goals, three of them inside seven minutes either side of 3/4 time, earned Buxton a second consecutive county cup final versus the winner of Wednesday's tie between Heanor Town and Long Eaton Utd. The scoreline was rather harsh on the visitors who had to play for 72 minutes with 10 men versus 11 and led for 47 of the 72, thwarting the hosts' constant attacks with maximum determination and energy until midway through the second half.

'The Gladiators' had taken a surprise lead on the quarter-hour. The 5-man home defence was in disarray when ex-Matlock loanee, Joe Young, was forced to make a fine save but when the ball was immediately crossed from the left, substitute Alex Duhameau, who had taken a forward position on the right, was unmarked 8 yards out and netted easily.(He had only been on-field for 5 minutes as a replacement for injured ex-Buxton central defender, Ioan Evans).

 Despite scoring, Matlock's prospects suffered a major setback just 3 minutes later with the dismissal of stalwart centre-back Adam Yates for a correct hand-ball decision as, on the goal-line, he denied Max Brogan's 10-yard shot. Debutant teenaged, loanee striker from Bolton Wanderers, Ben Andreucci, had successfully chased a seemingly lost cause, then cut the ball back from the by-line to Brogan. The resultant penalty-kick provided a second shock for home fans as the usually most dependable Jak McCourt fired wide.

The visitors had therefore lost both centre-backs in the first 18 minutes, yet at first 'the Bucks' made little headway in search of an equaliser, shown by manager Craig Elliott's 37th-minute decision to sacrifice defender and captain, Josh Granite, on his 100th Buxton appearance, in favour of another forward in Eoin McKeown.

 The second half, however, was vastly different as the hosts created into double figures of goal-scoring openings but took 20 minutes to first find the net after a catalogue of misses, mostly by striker Jake Wright, who also hit a post when sliding onto a McCourt curling ball from the right into the centre. It was this particular approach play that continually penetrated 'the Gladiators' rearguard throughout the half and from it, inside 5 minutes, on 65 and 69, Wright at last found the net with headers. Only 2 minutes on, the score became 3-1, with Wright close to a 7-minute hat-trick after he had wriggled through but experienced 'keeper Deeney thwarted him only for McKeown to have the simple task of heading home the rebound from 3 yards. McCourt continued to carve out openings but McKeown missed a glorious chance in the 80th minute. However, a fourth Buxton goal followed in the 86th minute as the overworked visiting defence allowed the tireless Joe Ackroyd to profit from a left-flank throw-in by galloping forward as far as the by-line before pulling the ball back low and accurately for third substitute, Dylan Mottley-Henry, to net as easily as Duhameau had done from the same Railway End spot 71 minutes earlier.

Bucks: Young, Minihan, Hunt, Shield, Granite (McKeown), Livingstone; McCourt, Ackroyd, Brogan (Kirby); Andreucci, Wright (Mottley-Henry. Unused Subs: Brown & Hull

​

Tuesday 6th February BUXTON (1) 1 DERBY COUNTY UNDER 21 (1) 1 (PENALTIES 4-2) ATT. 284

CAWARDEN DERBYSHIRE SENIOR CUP, QUARTER-FINAL

Wolves loanee 'keeper, Joe Young, spared Buxton's blushes with consecutive saves in Tuesday night's penalty shoot-out to set up victory and a tasty home semi-final versus Matlock Town next Tuesday. With Derby taking the first shot at the Railway End, it was 2-2 after 4 spot-kicks when Young performed his heroics, while home debutant left-back, Adam Livingstone, and then Max Hunt found the net confidently to complete the task.

The shoot-out was the highlight of Buxton's evening after being unable to ease past the youthful 'Rams' in normal time. Manager Craig Elliott made 6 changes from the team that had won impressively at 7th-placed Curzon Ashton, with injured Sam Osborne and recovering Tommy Elliott forced to miss out, while he kept the same 5-3-2 formation. The evening began with a major shock as the visitors led after just 16 seconds! A diagonal pass forward from the right flank was perfect for pacy, diminutive striker Weston to run onto and under considerable pressure he squeezed the ball past the advancing Young at the Railway End.

Thereafter 'the Bucks' created any number of chances to equalise. 'Keeper Thompson's error gifted Eoin McKeown an early opening but he drove over the bar from 16 yards and then the striker shot across the face of goal. Still in the tie's first quarter, debutant centre-back and recently-appointed assistant-manager, Ryan Qualter (ex-Matlock), from a corner-kick headed onto the roof of the net, but in the 21st minute McKeown did score, forcing the ball home from a few yards as Livingstone's low cross found him.

The chances continued to flow in the first half and a subdued Diego sent a curling shot across the face of goal, while McKeown was involved several more times, first trying a 19-yard snap-shot, then a flick header from Dylan Mottley-Henry's long, diagonal cross. The striker continued in the thick of the action and immediately after the first 3 substitutions were made at the hour, he missed a flick header following Joe Ackroyd's shot.

Derby had more of the ball in the second half and twice had excellent openings to regain the lead but failed with both. At 3/4 time a rare lapse in the home defence allowed Wheeldon to round Young but, with the goal gaping, he shot hurriedly from 15 yards and hit the top of the bar, while 10 minutes later a long-struck, dangerous Derby corner-kick to beyond the far post lacked only a finishing header, so the tie reached the shoot-out at 1-1.

Despite the frequent goalmouth action, the tie lacked the overall quality and intensity of the teams that had contested last April's superb final, but 'the Bucks' now have the opportunity to challenge for a second consecutive county cup success.

Bucks: Young; Mottley-Henry, Hull, Hunt, Qualter (Minihan), Livingstone; McCourt, Brogan (Wright), Ackroyd (Weston); McKeown, De Girolamo (Kirby). Unused Sub: Shiels.

 

Saturday 3rd February CURZON ASHTON (0) 0 BUXTON (0) 3 ATT. 374

Most of Buxton's best performances and results this season have arguably been on their travels at venues such as Scunthorpe (twice!), Chester and King's Lynn, and now 7th-placed 'Nash' must be added to the list. The hosts began the match having won 4 and drawn 1 of their last 5 NLN home fixtures but 3 goals in 11 second-half minutes gave 'the Bucks' a first win at the Tameside Stadium at the 3rd attempt. What's more, it's far from fanciful to speculate that after the score had reached 3-0, with crisper finishing, the visitors could have doubled their final tally and 'done a Warrington'.

Yet the outcome could hardly have been predicted at half-time after an interesting if goal-less first period, in which Curzon enjoyed a majority of possession but were well-contained by an unchanged Buxton back-5, except for the successful introduction at left wing-back of latest signing, Adam Livingstone from Hereford. 'The Bucks' had looked dangerous on the counter and several attacks showed distinct promise without being able to create a clear scoring opportunity. Livingstone's first pass to Jake Wright was a beauty and when he in turn found Sam Osborne, playing as a striker in place of the not-yet-recovered Tommy Elliott, a corner-kick was the result. Then, Joe Ackroyd's long run on the left touchline led to his finishing effort deflected to 'keeper Mason, while Jak McCourt's curling cross passed narrowly beyond Wright's reach.

The 2nd half was a different affair, with scoring chances converted when it really mattered. In the 55th minute, when Connor Kirby's diagonal pass reached Osborne on the right flank he advance d and planted a superb,18-yards, low drive wide of Mason and into the net's far bottom corner. Six minutes later, not only did the score become 2-0 but also 'Nash' were reduced to 10 men! A defensive error centrally allowed Wright to advance into the penalty area where he was bundled over from behind by Poscha, who instantly saw red. McCourt scored from 'the spot' with his usual aplomb, finding the bottom corner and leaving the deceived Mason helpless. With their tails up, there was no question of 'the Bucks' resting on their laurels and in the 65th minute they scored again, with a Sam Osborne goal very similar to the opener. An unusual bounce put Wright in possession and his diagonal pass set up the striker for another low drive into the bottom far corner.

To their credit, Curzon pressed forward but made more mistakes in defence. On 67 Osborne could have completed his hat-trick but fired wide from 20 yards, then he got forward on the left, cut the ball back and Wright's shot was blocked at source. Injury to Sam caused his replacement by fit-again Eoin McKeown, who frequently had the freedom of the left flank. His dangerous short cross to Kirby was deflected clear and he then shot over the bar, while Kirby's penetrative pass played in Sam Minihan behind the central defenders but the right-back put the ball onto the net roof in lobbing the 'keeper.

In a thrilling, open finale, Curzon also made chances. Substitute Campbell had a shot cleared off the line by Max Hunt and 'keeper Joe Young advanced to save splendidly from Richards with his legs. The young loanee 'keeper from Wolves had shown his quality as had the other 2 most recent recruits, Joe Ackroyd and Adam Livingstone. The trio have certainly added another dimension to Buxton's attempt to climb the table as Saturday's victory took the club up to 15th.

Finally, a vital contribution to the afternoon's entertainment was made by experienced referee, Mr, Thomas, who controlled the match superbly, relying much on his common sense rather than his cards, using them only sparingly.

Bucks: Young; Minihan, Shiels, Hunt, Granite, Livingstone; McCourt (Weston), Ackroyd, Kirby; Osborne (McKeown), Wright (Mottley-Henry). Unused Subs; De Girolamo & Brogan.

 

Saturday 27th January BUXTON 0-0 BRACKLEY TOWN ATT. 543

Buxton bounced back from Tuesday's drubbing to earn a deserved draw versus 5th-placed Brackley, who arrived with a 5-match winning sequence and 6 away victories already to their credit. The point was hard-earned and very creditable given that the hosts were hampered in the second half by a catalogue of contact injuries, all requiring substitutions.

Unsurprisingly, manager Craig Elliott had opted for wholesale change. Zaine Francis-Angol was restored in place of the injured Connor Brown (but himself suffered a serious-looking leg injury late on) and Josh Granite returned to what all afternoon was a 5-man defence. Midfield was also reconstructed with Jak McCourt replacing Curtis Weston in the holding role and the quality of his dead-ball deliveries added significantly to his team's goal threat. Equally important was the second full debut, in place of Max Brogan, of returning loanee from Barnsley, Joe Ackroyd, who received the NLP's Man-of the-Match award for his typical 'bundle of energy' display. Wingers Dylan Mottley-Henry and Sam Osborne, who had, arguably, lately contributed insufficiently in attack, were sacrificed as Tommy Elliott and Jake Wright were given joint-striker responsibility.

The changes had the desired impact, producing an altogether more spirited display versus upwardly mobile Brackley who nonetheless offered little threat in the first half. 'The Saints' did have more possession in the second half, particularly during the last half-hour as 'the Bucks' lost one player after another to injury, but the home rearguard stood impressively firm. However, as a spectacle the match was increasingly a disappointment as entertaining passing soccer was much less in evidence than usual and what began as a feisty contest became increasingly so, not helped by an indifferent performance by first-time visiting referee, Mr. Wilson.

Attacking the Ashwood End, Buxton started well and Ackroyd impressed early with lofted crosses from the right. From the first, Tommy Elliott's flicked header passed wide and from the second Connor Kirby got in a firm header that was in turn headed away. For Brackley, their only half-serious, first-half goal threat came in the 27th minute from O'Sullivan's long throw that was headed away but fell to ex-AFC Telford centre-back Lilly, whose rising drive comfortably cleared the angle of post and bar.

Buxton's best chance to score came 3 minutes into the second half, resulting from McCourt's accurate, lofted free-kick from the right but the unmarked Wright altogether and inexplicably missed contact, though the ball went on to hit the far post in the ensuing scramble. There were those supporters wondering whether all-time Buxton leading scorer, Mark Reed, present as match sponsor, would have put the golden headed opportunity away! 'The Bucks' lost Tommy Elliott on 69 minutes to another over-physical challenge and his replacement, Sam Osborne,11 minutes later had to drop back when Zaine Francis-Angol had to be substituted. Brackley did mount some pressure at this stage, including 3 consecutive corner-kicks, one of which led to McCourt clearing from the goal-line, but the home defence showed a pleasing resilience to the end.

Buxton's next match is next Saturday, Feb.3rd, at neighbouring Curzon Ashton, kick-off 3 p.m.

Bucks: Young; Minihan, Shiels, Hunt, Granite, Francis-Angol (Weston); McCourt, Kirby, Ackroyd; Elliott (Osborne), Wright (Brogan). Unused Subs: De Girolamo & Mottley-Henry

 

Tuesday 23rd January BUXTON (0) 0 WARRINGTON TOWN (1) 6 ATT. 474

Despite starting with the same team that had won only a week ago at now 4th-placed Chester, Buxton subsided to their biggest home defeat since Nicky Law's NCEL champions-elect remarkably lost 1-6 to Sutton Town in March 2006.On a wild, gale-blown Tuesday night, 'the Bucks' conceded 4 goals in the last 21 minutes to turn defeat into disaster.

The 'Wire', without a win in 6 previous visits, in possession showed far more accuracy and sharpness in passing and in the quicksilver Grivosti and Buckley-Ricketts, who bagged a hat-trick in that devastating finale, had attackers too slick for their opposite numbers in the home defence. The visitors' defenders also showed up very well, throwing their bodies into the line of fire as if their lives depended on it and that was never better seen than in the very last minute. Substitute Diego,8 yards out, met Sam Osborne's cut-back only to have his shot blocked by a flying defender and from the ensuing counter on the left, Buckley-Ricketts completed his hat-trick and the evening's scoring.

 'The Bucks' were therefore undoubtedly 2nd-best to fellow mid-tablers but still did their share of attacking, making any number of openings without being able to convert even one, while the visitors were fast-moving and clinical close to goal, scoring from their first attack in the 3rd minute. A slick-passing move saw McDonald, an ex-Crewe midfielder, find a net corner from 10 yards. As with the goals that followed, home debutant loanee 'keeper, Joe Young, bore no responsibility.

As in several other NLN fixtures featuring Buxton this season, such an early goal for a visiting team proved very significant, giving a lead to defend and creating the space for effective counter-attacking. For nearly an hour this pattern was set but, first attacking the Ashwood End, 'the Bucks' failed to make the most of the gale at their backs and 'keeper Atherton's only serious, pre-interval save came in parrying Max Brogan's low,8th minute drive. Yet in their few attacks, Warrington looked dangerous, for example when Grivosti, shortly before half-time, penetrated on the left only to see his low cross cut out.

Striking substitutes, Diego and Jake Wright, were introduced for the 2nd half and for a quarter-hour Buxton mounted a much more effective response with defenders Shiels and Hunt planting efforts over the bar, then, as the pressure was maintained, referee Sawden denied a possible penalty award for a foul in a goalmouth scramble following a home corner-kick. However, a mad minute's defending at the hour undid this undoubted improvement. Following a defensive error, Joe Young produced a vital save at the expense of a corner-kick, from which more poor defending forced the 'keeper into another point-blank parry but Tom Hannigan (ex-Altrincham) tapped in to double 'Wire's advantage. Popular returning midfielder, Joe Ackroyd, was soon introduced and 'the Bucks' continued to press forward but without reward and in the 70th minute Young denied McDonald with a fine tip-over save.

Then in the 76th minute all began to unravel.  After another home defensive error, a short cross set up the unmarked Buckley-Ricketts to head in. Two minutes later, Grivosti got clear on the left and produced a crisp finish to make it 4-0. It became even worse in added time with 2 more goals, the first featuring Town's long-serving midfielder, Bohan Dixon. Joe Young caught his snap shot but then was given no chance as, from a short cross, Dixon headed back across goal for Grivosti to score and at the very end Buckley-Ricketts made it 6-0.

In his post-match interview, manager Craig Elliott apologised to supporters for the nature of a defeat that was the first of its kind in his managerial career, sensibly keeping his comments to players within the dressing-room. Buxton have the chance to make amends in Saturday's home NLN fixture versus Brackley Town (3 pm).   

Bucks: Wright; Minihan, Shiels, Hull, Brown (Wright); Weston (De Girolamo), Kirby, Brogan (Ackroyd); Osborne, Elliott, Mottley-Henry. Unused Subs: Granite & Bapaga.

 

Tuesday 16th January Chester (0) 0 Buxton (1) 1 ATT 1620

In a tough looking encounter, manager Craig Elliott made 5 changes to the starting side that had come back from two goals down to King’s Lynn the previous Saturday. There was a debut in goal for on-loan ‘keeper Joe Young from Wolves and Minihan, Hunt, Weston and Elliott all got starts. In a big game for Buxton against Chester, the Bucks took an early lead through Sam Osborne’s 2nd minute goal. Dylan Motley-Henry's explosive run down the flank initiated a sequence that saw Tommy Elliott deliver a precision pass, allowing Osborne to slot the ball into the net in the 2nd minute. Joe Young quickly made his presence felt, showcasing his shot-stopping abilities with a crucial save down low to deny Elliott Whitehouse.  As the game unfolded, Chester responded, growing into the match and putting pressure on Buxton. Iwan Murray's near miss and subsequent low ball across the goal in the 16th minute added to the intensity but Tom Peers couldn’t get on the end of it. Will Stanway, the Chester goalkeeper, made a crucial low save in the 22nd minute, denying Mottley-Henry after his pace saw him able to get away from the defender to get a shot away.

The second half witnessed a lot of home side possession. Chester dominated the ball but struggled to convert it into clear-cut opportunities. Whitehouse's attempt from the edge of the box in the 67th minute sailed over, reflecting Chester's frustration. Controversy arose in the 77th minute when George Glendon was seemingly bundled over inside the box, but the referee waved away penalty appeals.

Craig Elliott will be delighted as The Bucks held on and look to build momentum as they head into another away trip against Boston on Saturday at 3pm.

Bucks: Young; Minihan, Shiels, Hunt, Brown; Weston (Wright), Kirby, Brogan; Osborne (McKeown), Elliott, Motley-Henry (Granite). Unused Subs: DE Girolamo & Horbury.

 

Saturday 13th January BUXTON (0) 2 KING'S LYNN TOWN (2) 2 ATT 614

The spoils were shared on a grey but dry Silverlands Saturday by 2 out-of-form teams which had both earned just 4 points since November but could 'take positives' from an encounter that became a thriller in the last half-hour as the outcome remained in doubt to the very end. 'The Bucks' had fought back from 0-2 at half-time, while 'the Linnets' took a point after playing for an hour with 10 men and surviving the last half-hour at 2-2.

Manager Craig Elliott made 6 changes to the starting line-up, including a 4th consecutive new partnership at centre-back, but it took only 6 minutes for the home rearguard to be breached at the Railway End. Visiting midfielder Powell sold Luke Shiels a perfect dummy deep on Buxton's left and from his low pull-back, Stephens netted from 6 yards at the near-post.

After such an early blow to already fragile confidence, the hosts did make openings but couldn't hit the target. Connor Brown fired an angled, rising drive over the bar, the restored Sam Osborne first put a header wide then saw a 20-yard effort deflected for a corner, but Jake Wright, in a position to shoot from 16 yards, passed inaccurately instead.

Then, out of the blue, first-time visitor, referee Robert Claussen, was called upon to make the first of 3 game-changing decisions. In the 35th minute goal-scorer Stephens was dismissed for a midfield lunge at loanee Max Brogan and the visitors instantly changed their strategy by reducing their strike force from 3 to 1 and increasing their back 4 to 5. Yet it was Lynn who scored next, 6 minutes later, after another major intervention by the referee that handed the initiative back to the visitors. He made the first of 2 seemingly harsh penalty awards by deciding there was a foul on visiting striker, Devonport, who arguably was already slipping over, but nonetheless Rogers confidently scored to double his team's lead.

The interval brought the introduction of the attack-minded duo of Diego and Tommy Elliott, both of whom contributed significantly to Buxton's attack, though not immediately. Possession was dominated but with the visitors packing defence, no clear chances were created. Then came the 3rd of the referee's match-changing decisions just past the hour when he awarded 'the Bucks' a spot-kick, on the advice of an assistant, for a foul on Brown at the very edge of the penalty area. Diego sent experienced 'keeper Paul Jones the wrong way to halve the deficit. Visibly boosted, Buxton levelled within 5 minutes. Midfielder Brogan produced some neat footwork to side-step 2 defenders and find the net with a low,15-yard drive into the far corner.

The goal yet again altered the nature of the proceedings as, to their credit, 'the Linnets' emerged from defensive mode to seek a winner, and 'the Bucks' also scented the possibility of victory. Max Dearnley was soon twice forced to tip powerful drives over his bar, while Tommy Elliott's through ball was close to setting up Wright who, late on, was substituted for emergency striker, the giant Max Hunt. Corner-kicks were forced but it was in the very last attack that Buxton all-but snatched victory. Winger Sam Osborne had enjoyed an excellent second half, regularly achieving penetration on the left, and when Elliott's glorious pass set him up, his fierce, low, 10-yard drive was going in until Lynn's debutant centre-back, Greg Taylor (ex-Cambridge Utd), brilliantly intervened on the goal-line.

Bucks: Dearnley; Brown, Shiels, Granite, Francis-Angol (De Girolamo); Kirby, Brogan, Horbury (Elliott); Osborne, Wright (Hunt), Mottley-Henry. Unused Subs: Minihan & Weston

 

Saturday 6th January Tamworth (0) 2 Buxton (0) 0 ATT 1245

Tamworth claimed the top spot in the league with late goals by Jamie Jellis and Kyle Finn as Buxton manager Craig Elliott again shuffled the pack following last week’s defeat to Derbyshire rivals Alfreton Ton with Hull, Brogan and Bapaga coming in for Hull, Weston and Osborne.

The Bucks started the match with assertive play in the midfield, showcasing skilful passing without creating any meaningful early chances. The game saw its first opportunity in the 24th minute when a free-kick was laid off to Diego De Girolamo, but his low, driven shot was saved by Jaz Singh. Luke Shiels then rose high, getting in a header after a corner, but Singh in the Tamworth goal parried the attempt before gathering the ball. Despite possessing much of the ball, The Bucks were all square at halftime.

Tamworth's quick throw-in at the 55th minute almost caught Buxton off guard. Finn found space, but his curled shot narrowly missed the post. The referee dismissed penalty shouts after Acquaye went down in the box for the hosts. Ex-Buck Ben Milnes, coming off the bench, narrowly missed when his shot went over the bar with his first touch. Tamworth seized the lead in the 82nd minute as a rapid attack found Jellis, whose deflected shot beat Max Dearnley in the Bucks goal to make it 1-0. Buxton nearly equalized through Tommy Elliott, but a Tamworth defender blocked the late attempt. With Buxton pressing forward, Tamworth broke, and Finn's right-sided shot hit the post and sealed a 2-0 victory, securing all 3 points.

Bucks: Dearnley; Minihan, Shiels (Hunt), Hull, Francis-Angol; Brogan, Kirby, Elliott; McKeown (Osborne), De Girolamo, Bapaga (Mottley-Henry). Unused Subs: Wright & Horbury

 

Monday 1st January BUXTON (0) 1 ALFRETON TOWN (2) 2 ATT 851

A second, narrow 1-2 defeat in 6 days versus Alfreton Town made for a miserable festive week for BFC. Despite 'the Bucks' commanding nearly 2/3 of the possession on New Year's Day, the visitors were the more adept at both attacking and defending as the result proved. Not for the first time recently, there were glaring deficiencies at both ends, leaving 4 points earned from the last 18 and the club standing 17th after being 6th at 3 p.m. on Nov.11th!

Such shortcomings were blatantly obvious in an opening 6 minutes which was both brilliant and dreadful and which dictated the development of the match. Only seconds after kick-off, a sumptuous, inch-perfect Tommy Elliott through-pass (back in his favoured midfield play-maker role after a long injury lay-off) fed Eoin McKeown to advance on the Ashwood End goal from the right only for advancing 'keeper Willis to parry the shot with his legs. Then the goal-bound follow-up shot was denied by centre-back Digie's superb block. Barely a minute later, McKeown delivered a fine, low cross but Diego, in a prime central position 10 yards out, fired high over the bar. Yet in the 6th minute Alfreton took the lead after apparently woeful defending at a corner-kick (though manager Craig Elliott pointed to a marker's slip). Long-throw merchant Lund set off from the 'D' and advanced totally alone to net with a firm header. Instead of leading 1-0 or even 2-0,'Bucks' trailed!

Both managers had made changes from Boxing Day (Buxton 5, Alfreton 3) but the formations were much the same, as was the run of the play with the hosts dominating possession (62% overall) without finding the penetration of the early minutes. The re-called Sam Osborne got in a brace of shots from the left but neither troubled the well-placed Willis, while for Alfreton the impressive Newall, the early-season Silverlands departure, had a firm,25-yard drive blocked after a typical Lund long throw-in was half-cleared. And it was Newall who laid on the visitors crucial second goal in the 44th minute. His dangerous left-flank cross was only partially cleared to ex-Gainsborough midfielder Waldock, who struck home low inside a post from 16 yards.

There was no doubting Buxton's urgency as the second half opened and within 3 minutes the deficit had been halved. Firstly, Osborne had a shot blocked, then Diego's 8-yard effort resulted in a 6-yard box scramble from which Sam Minihan forced the ball home. It now looked possible for 'the Bucks', for the first time in a NLN match (and in the first league fixture since Feb.2022 at Nantwich) to overturn a deficit to go on to win. Yet as in the opening period the intensity gradually faded but Buxton's ability to hold the ball did not and 1 spell of possession at the 75-minute mark lasted a good 60 seconds though without disturbing Alfreton’s composure. At the 79th minute the home wingers were changed but substitutes Tom Walker and Dylan Mottley-Henry couldn't penetrate the solid visiting rearguard, even though excellent referee Maskry ordered a further 8 minutes to be played, much of which continued to be dominated by unproductive Buxton corners and free-kicks.

Bucks: Dearnley; Minihan, Shiels, Hunt, Francis-Angol; Weston (Brogan), Kirby, Elliott; McKeown (Mottley-Henry), De Girolamo, Osborne (Walker). Unused Subs: Granite & Horbury.

 

Tuesday 26th December ALFRETON TOWN (1) 2 BUXTON (1) 1 ATT 762

Horses for courses? You bet! On Boxing Day Buxton's visit to North Street produced a 5th consecutive defeat there, despite taking a 27th minute lead, and 'the Bucks' have yet to win at that ground in the 21st century! The visitors had a substantial, vocal following but their favourites were not at their best in the face of a typical Alfreton display whose main attacking ploy was the consistently long throw-in of defender Adam Lund.

It was the visitors who showed ample threat early on, looking the superior ball-playing outfit. On the quarter hour they had a strong shout for a penalty when first-half danger-man, Eoin McKeown, looked to be fouled and 2 minutes later Max Hunt headed over the goal from his team's first corner-kick. Five minutes on and McKeown arguably should have netted but allowed 'keeper Willis to save. However, a further 5 minutes on and the restored wide-man excitingly laid on Buxton's goal. In a long run down the left flank he out-paced right-back Clackstone, who, significantly, was replaced at half-time by Perritt, to deliver a low cross to the near post where Tommy Elliott, selected for striking duty in place of Jake Wright, rolled the ball home.

Play in the remainder of the half contributed much to Buxton's fate as Alfreton now seized the initiative to respond effectively. From ex-Silverlander Newall's free-kick, centre-back Digie's 5-yard header forced a good, low stop out of Max Dearnley. Maintaining the response, the hosts did find the net through another ex-Silverlander, Jordan Thewlis, but referee Robinson called a foul. Nonetheless, Alfreton did equalise in the 39th minute after Waldock had chipped the ball into the goalmouth, but some unconvincing defending led to Connor Brown's foul on Day. Thewlis netted confidently from 'the spot'.

Buxton did show some attacking promise early in the second half. McKeown couldn't re-produce his earlier threat but twice in a minute Sam Minihan proved incisive on the right flank though both of his crosses were cleared. With little to choose between the teams, manager Craig Elliott made all 3 permitted substitutions but without any improved penetration and in the 80th minute Alfreton scored through ex-'Alty' striker, Lewis Salmon, effectively to win the points. Scoring from close range he profited as the Buxton defence again failed to clear. Five minutes added time was played but the hosts were comfortable in their lead to win for only the second time in 11 matches which included a DSC defeat by Heanor Town.

The return fixture is scheduled for New Year's Day at 3 p.m.

Bucks: Dearnley; Minihan, Hunt, Granite, Brown; Weston, Horbury (Walker), Brogan; Mottley-Henry (Osborne), Elliott (Wright), McKeown. Unused Subs: Shiels & Hull

 

Saturday 23rd December BUXTON 0-0 SCUNTHORPE UTD ATT. 1245

Buxton again proved to be a 'bogey' team for 'the Iron', avoiding defeat for the third time this season, when holding the league leaders to a draw that lacked goals but neither interest nor effort. The crowd was comfortably the biggest of the season to date, beating the opening day's 1072 against Boston, and the weather conditions were more favourable, though a strong wind blew down the pitch to the Ashwood End attacked first by the hosts.

There were 3 changes to the starting line-up, 2 of them forced by suspension. AFC Fylde loanee, Tom Walker, returned after his 3-month injury absence in place of winger Will Bapaga, while Curtis Weston returned to midfield instead of Connor Kirby. One recently-recruited loanee midfielder, Max Brogan, replaced another temporary signing, George Horbury. A strong substitute's bench featured Sam Osborne who was preferred to Eoin McKeown.

'The Bucks' had their 2 best scoring chances in the opening quarter-hour, the first coming as early as the 4th minute. Debutant Max Brogan figured in a 4-man passing move that began on the left flank and, at the far post, reached home debutant winger, Dylan Mottley-Henry, (on loan from South Shields), who all but squeezed the ball home at the far post. Then Max Hunt latched onto a loose ball 19 yards out but, lacking composure, blasted high and wide.

As the 2nd quarter of the match developed, 'Iron's quicksilver midfield, impressing with movement off the ball, took control (undoubtedly much to the approval of the watching Ken Shirley. the all-time 'great' midfielder of yesteryear).Yet the hard-working hosts limited Scunthorpe to very few clear chances. Home skipper, Josh Granite, was a rousing leader of his defensive troops who remained resolute and error-free throughout.

Having enjoyed at least a reasonable share of the first-half possession, 'the Bucks' faced the wind thereafter and had to withstand 'the Iron's dominance, which did not, however, force Max Dearnley into major action. Ex-Bradford City midfielder, Scales, sent a diagonal cross low and untouched through the penalty area, while Butterfield delivered a 19-yard ground shot narrowly wide and Smith headed over the target with a beyond-the far post header from right-back Ogle's long cross. For Buxton, the combative Jake Wright who was already on a yellow card, seemed to receive a final referee's warning but the first change after an hour introduced Osborne for Walker before,9 minutes later, Horbury replaced Jak McCourt and Tommy Elliott came on for Wright in a more forward role than usual. He looked the most likely to unlock the door of the visiting rearguard. (A pre-match twinge prevented Diego's deployment).

'The Bucks' had a strong but vain penalty appeal (afterwards confirmed by a Scunthorpe defender) in the 79th minute when Mottley-Henry was brought down and from then the hosts looked more threatening again. Substitute Horbury's determinedly-made 17-yard central drive found 'keeper Fitzsimons, while the first home corner close to regular full-time produced a goalmouth scramble. The end was delayed by the referee's odd addition of 3 minutes to the 5 extra already allocated.

Yet Buxton were glad enough to take 4 points and keep 2 'clean sheets' from the clubs' 2 league meetings, as well as all but winning the controversially abandoned match in September. The result maintains the season's good record versus the leading clubs and also 15th place in the table, just 5 points behind faltering 7th-placed Curzon Ashton. On Boxing Day, Buxton travel to 13th-placed Alfreton Town (at 3 pm) with the potential to leapfrog our county rivals.

Bucks: Dearnley; Minihan, Granite, Hunt, Brown; McCourt (Horbury), Weston, Brogan, Walker (Osborne), Mottley-Henry; Wright (Elliott). Unused Subs: Shiels & De Girolamo

 

Saturday 16th December Spennymoor Town (0) 2 Buxton (1) 3 ATT 1031

The Bucks returned to winning ways with a late penalty from Diego De Girolamo sealing all 3 points against Spennymoor Town. Craig Elliott made five changes from the team that narrowly lost at Chorley the previous Tuesday with Conner Brown and Sam Minihan returning from bans and there was a first start for new loan signing Dylan Mottley-Henry (from South Shields).  The Bucks took the lead through Jake Wright in the 19th minute when William Bapaga won the ball and set up Wright to curl a shot in from distance. Spennymoor hit back through Danny Greenfield who crossed onto the head of Rob Ramshaw who headed it into the hands of Max Dearnley. Then Ben Pollocks headed effort from a corner just before half time hit the bar before the referee blew his whistle.

It didn’t take long in the second half for The Moors to equalise. Connor Brown fouled a Moors player in the box leading to a penalty that Glen Taylor stepped up to scored.  New signing Dylan Mottley-Henry had a shot flicked onto the bar before The Bucks regained the lead on 59 minutes. Connor Kirby latched onto a loose ball following a slip by a Moors defender and saw the keeper off his line before lobbing it in to make it 2-1. An off the ball incident between Wright and Ramshaw only minutes later led to the latter being sent off for his second yellow card. Spennymoor kept on going and managed to grab an equaliser in the 69th minute. Staunton’s cross found Keenan Ferguson who headed it in to make the score 2-2. The Bucks kept on pushing to grab a winner with Kirby and McCourt coming close, both forcing James Montgomery into saves. And they did get the winner in the final stages of the game when Tommy Elliott got taken out by Montgomery and De Girolamo stepped up to seal a 3-2 victory from the penalty spot.

Bucks: Dearnley; Minihan, Hunt, Granite, Brown; McCourt, Kirby, Horbury (Elliott), Bapaga (Osborne), Mottley-Henry; Wright (De Girolamo). Unused Subs: Walker & Weston

 

Tuesday 12th December Chorley (1) 3 Buxton (1) 2 Att 732

With the Bucks injury worries starting to ease, manager Craig Elliott was without the services of Minihan, Weston and Brown, all through suspension, so new signing Matty Waters made his league debut at right back.

Buxton fell to a 3-2 defeat to Chorley with both teams going down to ten men just before half time. The Magpies started on the front foot with Justin Johnson creating 2 early chances. The first coming into the hands of Max Dearnley and the second being headed on before being put wide with the linesman’s flag going up for offside. Eoin McKeown won the ball back with a high press before giving The Bucks a corner the first of 5 corners in the game. Buxton took the lead in the 18th minute after a ball came across from McKeown and Diego De Girolamo hit a great strike to find the corner of the net and put The Bucks ahead. Buxton were soon back on the attack with a  ball over the top which found William Bapaga and he ran through at goal and got a shot off that Matt Urwin got down well to collect. Chorley equalised from a corner on 29 minutes. The ball originally hit the bar but it gets headed back across the face of the goal and Mike Calveley was there to smash it in to make it 1-1. It was an eventful end to the first half with both sides going down to 10 men.  Bapaga was involved in an off the ball incident which led to The Bucks winger being sent off and for Chorley the referee gave a second yellow card to Jack Sampson for the same incident when it was in fact Harvey Smith who was involved.

Chorley made a change at half time bringing on Carlton Ubaezounu for Marco Rus. He made an immediate impact after a through ball came to him and he ran through at goal but put his shot wide Harvey Smith then had a free header from a corner that went just over the bar. The Bucks put together a fast counter attack move with Jak McCourt finding De Girolamo who in turn found Kirby at the back post with a shot that the Chorley keeper dealt with comfortably. Chorley went ahead in the 63rd minute with substitute Ubaezuonu this time making no mistake and smashing it into the back of the net from close range. With the game very open in play it wasn’t long before Buxton found an equaliser when Jake Wright, who had only just come off the bench, leaped into the air and headed it in a corner to make it 2-2. They weren’t level for long however has Chorley regained the lead from another set piece. Mark Ellis unmarked put a powerful header past Dearnley to make it 3-2. Jack Moore had the last effort at goal for the hosts, hitting a long range strike that Dearnley was forced to tip onto the bar.

The Bucks are next in action on Saturday with a visit to Spennymoor.

Bucks: Dearnley; Waters, Bird, Hunt, Francis-Angol (Osborne); McCourt (Wright), Kirby, Horbury, Bapaga; McKeown, De Girolamo (Walker). Unused Subs: Granite & Elliott.

 

Tuesday 5th December BUXTON (1) 2 STAPENHILL (0) 0 ATT. 210

CAWARDEN DERBYSHIRE SENIOR CUP, ROUND 3

A goal in each half, the second with virtually the last kick of the tie, earned Buxton a successful first defence of the county cup won last April at Pride Park. Those expecting an avalanche of goals as a tier 2 team hosted one from tier 6 (the equivalent of Premiership v. National League) were to be disappointed, but instead witnessed an entertaining, competitive encounter with ample attempts on goal. The visitors, never outclassed, proved both capable and resilient despite having little of the possession, remarkably keeping the outcome in doubt to the very end. When they did have the ball, their passing was commendably accurate and their movement well-developed. (Nowadays, seemingly, teams at the lower levels of the pyramid seek to build attacks through passing movements).

Buxton gave debuts to reserve 'keeper, Aleksander Petrovic, and to recently-signed left-back, Matty Waters (ex-Chester), from Connah's Quay Nomads in a strong selection which dominated possession throughout but which had to work hard to make clear openings, then mostly showed a lack of ruthlessness in finishing them. From the first of them, midfield loanee, George Horbury, crossed for Sam Osborne to head firmly downwards but directly at 'keeper Hollis. By then the visitors had shown ambition with speculative but off-target long-range shots before their best player, midfielder Dawkins, went close with a powerful,25-yard ground shot. Diego responded with a teasing cross palmed away by Hollis but he had no chance with Scott Boden's superb individual,28th-minute effort. From the right at the Ashwood End. he cut inside on his left foot and scored with a drive in off the far post but then dragged a 20-yard effort wide of goal before missing, seemingly incredibly, from a yard out and under severe pressure as Osborne's cross reached him. Next it was Diego's turn to threaten with a long, diagonal advance from right to centre before firing narrowly over the bar from 20 yards. As half-time approached, a neat, quick, home move produced a through ball just too far forward for Horbury to latch onto, while a superb Dawkins challenge thwarted Diego as he shaped to finish.

The first 2 Buxton subs arrived 10 minutes into a quietly-opening second period, with Jake Wright soon feeding Osborne for an angled shot that was comfortably saved. Just past the hour 2 more subs were introduced and 1 of them, Eoin McKeown, found the net but was adjudged offside. Fellow sub., Will Bapaga, had fired a rapid drive that rebounded off the 'keeper to McKeown who nodded home. Wright again caught the eye as Campbell blocked his close-range shot after the referee unwittingly hindered Horbury as he was preparing to shoot, while Dawkins, at a post, thwarted Wright's shot.

However, as the initial 4 minutes of added time began, Stapenhill saw their chance of a memorable equaliser! From Lansdowne's long throw, Rumin fired fiercely from 20 yards for Petrovic to make a brilliant, full-length, low save to spare his team's blushes. Given the fact that the 'keeper had only routine stuff to deal with previously and that he must have felt frozen as the temperature had dropped markedly, this was a truly exceptional save and spelled out a turning-point as 'the Bucks' mounted a final attack for Wright's powerful drive to double his team's margin of victory.

Apart from the on-field entertainment, the evening also offered something for those who enjoy quirky facts!  In 6 D.S.C. attempts 'the Bucks' haven't put more than 3 past Stapenhill in securing 5 wins and a draw, while the most southerly club in the competition has yet to score versus Buxton!

Bucks: Petrovic: Brown, Bird (Hunt), Granite, Waters: McCourt, Horbury; Gibson-Hammond (Bapaga), De Girolamo (Elliott), Boden (Wright), Osborne (McKeown).

​

Saturday 25th November BUXTON (0) 0 SOUTHPORT (1) 1 ATT. 663

Controversial and inconsistent refereeing by Mr Jones was very much the talking point after a match dominated by Buxton but from which Southport took full points. It is often said that good and ill fortune in refereeing decisions 'level up' in the course of a season but much will be required for 'the Bucks' to get on an even keel following Saturday's events. Arguably there were as many as 5 penalty-area decisions that should have been made or were made and all 5 went against the hosts, effectively contributing to the result!

'The Bucks' enjoyed 76 % then 82 % possession respectively in the 2 halves but 'the Sandgrounders' defended valiantly throughout, notably in limiting the thrust of the home wingers, as they held on after, at the Railway End, taking a 4th-minute lead with O'Neill's superb individual goal. He cut in from the left and, afforded too much space, unleashed a 19-yard power-drive into the far top corner. Buxton took a little time to settle after that early shock but then made several half-chances. From a right cross, Jordan Burrow flicked a header wide of the far post, then visiting 'keeper, Chris Renshaw (ex-Witton & Curzon) had to rush out to beat Will Bapaga to a through-ball and the visitors' goal had a close call at the half-hour. Meanwhile, Southport again looked dangerous as O'Neill aimed another strike, from 25 yards, at the same top corner but Max Dearnley thwarted him with a top save, then left-back Doyle, from a right-flank cross, planted a 'free' header 2 yards wide of goal.

The second half opened with a penalty-kick drama as the visitors, despite making no appeal, but were granted one for Connor Brown pulling an opponent, yet Evans shot low and wide from 'the spot'. Nonetheless the home camp was much aggrieved as Burrow had twice been seriously mishandled as the ball was in flight at first-half corners without action by the referee.

Thereafter Buxton's pressure was incessant. Alex Gibson-Hammond, at the penalty-spot and at full stretch, was mighty close to putting a decisive touch to a lofted through ball, while George Horbury worked a neat 1-2 with Curtis Weston but his 19-yard effort was caught at the far post. Two substitutions were made at 3/4 time and neat footwork by one of them, Sam Osborne, freed him for a 16-yard shot which Renshaw clawed away, then the other, Eoin McKeown, at the penalty spot glanced a header wide from a left-flank cross. Even closer, in the 79th minute, a fine move saw Connor Kirby fire across the face of goal without Burrow able to get a vital touch. Referee Jones again felt home ire as he failed to award spot-kicks for what film evidence showed were fouls on Jake Hull and, in added time, Will Bapaga, who was blatantly cut down as he moved towards a shooting position from the by-line. Finally a mass scramble in the goalmouth followed a Buxton corner-kick as the hosts were left goal-less and frustrated.

Bucks: Dearnley; Minihan, Bird, Hull, Brown; Weston, Kirby, Horbury (McBurnie); Gibson-Hammond (Osborne), Burrow (Boden), Bapaga. Unused Subs: Smart & Francis-Angol.

 

Tuesday 21st November BUXTON (1) 2 HEREFORD (0) 1 ATT. 532

Despite still lacking 10 of the 11 absentees of last Saturday and recently suffering 4 consecutive defeats, Buxton battled hard to overcome 10th-placed Hereford for the first time, at the 3rd attempt. Manager Craig Elliott deserves much credit for recruiting 3 more-than-useful loanees to plug the gaps, adding them to Saturday's successful debutant, Will Bapaga (ex-Coventry).

This was a spirited performance versus a confident team which had scored 4 in each of its last 2 outings. Both sides deployed a 4-3-3 system and were well-matched but 'the Bucks' finishing was better than that of their opponents, who proved constantly dangerous in attack, notably through ex-Blackpool winger, Ceesay. It has to be said that both teams and the enthralling, exciting encounter that they created deserved better from over-zealous referee Pratt, whose errors in decision-making frustrated players, management and crowd alike.

On a fine night perfect for soccer, Buxton unusually first attacked the Railway End and, crucially for a much-changed team, made a good start. It soon became evident that the 4 newcomers all had much to offer. Experienced centre-back Pierce Bird (ex-Notts County and King's Lynn) from AFC Fylde slotted in seamlessly alongside Jake Hull, while busy central midfielder, George Horbury (19) from Harrogate Town, showed bags of ability and know-how, while wingers Bapaga and Alex Gibson-Hammond from Derby County were both able to penetrate the visiting defence. Their collective contribution also seemed to galvanise the 7 remaining 'core' players, notably dynamic midfielder, Connor Kirby.

The evening's first scoring chance, in the 9th minute, fell to 'the Bulls' as speedy striker, Cowley, beat Max Dearnley to the ball at the by-line and home defenders only just managed to smuggle the ball away after the cross reached the goalmouth. Buxton's response at the quarter-hour involved both wingers with Gibson-Hammond firing a low, angled 20-yarder narrowly past the far post. Then 'the Bulls' threatened again with a fast-flowing, right-flank move from which Ceesay fired a venemous,17-yard drive rising drive that Dearnley splendidly tipped over. At the other end, Jordan Burrow had an opening but his 18-yard shot, lacking power, passed wide. He then got his head to a Sam Minihan centre that proved too strong for him to direct on target. Yet in the 40th minute the striker did convert a clear opening for his 4th Buxton goal. Connor Kirby, all evening showing a willingness to drive forward, surprised 'keeper Pond with the power of his 25-yard drive and Burrow was the beneficiary as the ball rebounded from the custodian's chest.

Exchanges remained even but it was the visitors who scored next, on the hour, as Cowley netted expertly from the penalty spot. The ever-dangerous Ceesay followed up his own half-cleared free-kick by bursting into the home penalty area and when he fell the referee blew for a foul. 'The Bucks' took a little while to recover but deserve much credit for overcoming the setback to regain the initiative, which then produced a 30-yard Kirby effort that was deflected wide, while McCourt curled a 19-yard shot past a post. The game was still evenly poised, particularly as Ceesay continued to threaten, forcing Dearnley to concede a flag-kick, while Kirby produced some fine defending after a foul on him had gone unpunished. At the Ashwood End, Bapaga also maintained his thrust and consecutive fouls on him resulted in yellow cards for the perpetrators. From the 2nd,80th-minute free-kick, wide on the left, McCourt's superb, powerful, head-high delivery was flicked into goal by Jake Hull for his first Buxton strike in 31 appearances.

Manager Elliott at this point made 2 substitutions, notably introducing defensive midfielder, Curtis Weston, in place of Horbury, whose contribution was generously applauded by by the home support. Nonetheless Hereford continued to press forward and following a free-kick, Dearnley made a fine save under his bar, while for Buxton, first substitute Sam Osborne, from a very narrow angle, fired across the face of goal, having profited from a penetrative Kirby through ball.

This Saturday, Nov.25th, Buxton entertain Southport at 3 p.m.

Bucks: Dearnley; Minihan, Bird, Hull, Brown; McCourt, Kirby, Horbury (Weston); Bapaga, Burrow (Boden), Gibson-Hammond (Osborne). Unused Subs: Petrovic & Smart

 

Saturday 18th November BUXTON (0) 1 CITY OF LIVERPOOL (0) 3 ATT. 575 THE ISUZU F.A. TROPHY, ROUND 2

On Saturday, 'the Bucks’ bowed out of the 'Trophy' at their first hurdle versus in-form NPL opponents who had also toppled higher-level clubs (Lancaster and Stamford) in the previous 2 rounds. It was 'the Purps' second 'Trophy' victory at Silverlands in 3 years and Buxton have now lost not only 4 consecutive 'Trophy' ties but also 4 consecutive matches in November. Yet though 'the Purps' play at 2 levels lower, in reality it was 'the Bucks' who were the underdogs as they played without an unprecedented TWELVE of the first-team squad, the worst unavailability crisis in living memory! Of the 8 players missing last Saturday, only Jak McCourt could return and to that 7 were added Diego (suspended), Francis-Angol, Hunt, McBurnie and Brown. The back-four was undoubtedly makeshift with only Jake Hull able to play in his best position and it's an open question how many of the starting 11 were fully fit.

A very strong, end-to-end wind prevailed and very much dictated possession in both halves. The hosts, attacking the Ashwood End, held the advantage in the first half and dominated possession but failed to make the most of it, producing neither clear scoring chances nor goals. However, debutant left-winger Will Bapaga was a constant threat and as early as the 2nd minute fired a cross which Scott Boden headed but flicked wide. The latter set up 'the Bucks' best attack of the half with intricate footwork from the left, then Connor Kirby's pass fed Jordan Burrow, but his 12-yard curling shot passed wide.

By contrast, 'the Purps' scored immediately after half-time as midfielder Schorah's close-range flick converted Bahula's cross from the left. It was now the visitors' turn to dominate with the wind at their backs but the tie's turning-point proved to be Boden's 63rd-minute miss. Played clear of the defence in a central position, he hooked his 12-yard shot over the bar. Just 7 minutes later, 'the Purps' crucially doubled their advantage as striker Quarless planted a free header at a corner past Max Dearnley. It was no more than the lively, confident visitors deserved. Around this time, judging by previous games, manager Craig Elliott would have made attacking substitutions, but the substitutes' bench included just 3 Academy youths and reserve 'keeper Petrovic. Nonetheless Connor Kirby pulled a goal back in the 81st minute as, at the far post, he hammered home Bapaga's delightful curling cross to renew hope of taking the tie to a penalty shoot-out, but in the first minute of 7 that were added the visitors made victory secure. The experienced ex-Marine striker substitute, Danny Mitchley, slotted home calmly as he profited from a wind-assisted long ball forward.

In the coming week Buxton entertain Hereford on Tuesday at 7-45 p.m. and Southport next Saturday at 3 p.m.

Bucks: Dearnley; Smart, Weston, Hull, Minihan; McCourt, Bapaga, Kirby. Osborne; Burrow, Boden. Unused Subs: Petrovic, Bardy, Mantle & Jack Wright.

 

Saturday 11th November BUXTON (1) 1 FARSLEY CELTIC (2) 2 ATT. 670

Two Farsley goals in 8 minutes just prior to the interval turned this NLN match on its head after Buxton had led through Diego's penalty kick but early in the second half the home scorer saw red, for the first time in his 5 1/2 years’ Buxton career, to make a recovery far harder. There was thereafter much effort and some pressure on the visiting 'keeper who at times had all on to keep his goal intact.

At kick-off,13 places but only 3 points separated the teams and the visitors' record shows their strength 'on the road' with 4 NLN away wins already. Undoubtedly 'the Bucks' are currently ravaged by injury and were barely able to field a fully-fit eleven and had little ability to resort to the substitutes' bench when change could have altered the focus. Elliott, Shiels, Walker and Wright have been sidelined for weeks and were joined by Granite, McCourt and McKeown, with Smart fit enough only for a cameo appearance.

Unusually attacking the Railway End first, Buxton started well enough into the sun but a Farsley through ball created the first opening, forcing ex-Celtic 'keeper, Max Dearnley, to save as midfielder Branson (ex-Alfreton) fastened onto it. The hosts responded with a passing move leading to Xander McBurnie playing a 1-2 with Sam Osborne before shooting high and wide. Then McBurnie's wide-right free-kick skimmed the head of Sam Minihan at the near post in a mini-spell of home pressure, closely followed by a Max Hunt cross from the right. The 'keeper flapped at it and Smith's foul on Connor Kirby gave Diego his opportunity, in the 32nd minute, from the penalty spot, with the striker netting expertly by wrong-footing Leban.

As Celtic responded, Buxton defensive uncertainty was shown as the ball rebounded from the bar but Connor Brown then defended well against substitute Youmbi who had come on as a third attacker. 'The Bucks' did have a chance to double their advantage but Diego slightly delayed a through ball for Osborne who ran on to shoot low from a narrow angle with Leban making a comfortable save. That incident preceded Farsley's double-strike. Youmbi's good work on the left allowed Stevenson to equalise with a neat back-heel in the 44th minute, then, in the 3rd minute of added time, midfielder Ryan Watson (ex-Scarborough) ran along the 18-yard line but turned to rifle a low shot inside the near post.

Buxton's situation worsened considerably in the 52nd minute with Diego's harsh dismissal for the use of an elbow when illegally challenged from behind. Prompt action by referee McQuillan could have prevented the incident. Manager Craig Elliott soon introduced striker Jordan Burrow, but his team-mates couldn't take advantage of several examples of his deft head-work. Yet the hosts persevered. Osborne fired a 30-yard rising free-kick at Leban and Kirby fed the same player for a low, angled drive, again at the 'keeper. The home winger indeed looked the most likely scorer and from a passing move his 19-yard curling effort landed on the net top. A clear offside error by an assistant robbed Burrow of a follow-up after Minihan's power-drive from 25 yards troubled Leban, while the 'keeper parried Kirby's 30-yarder with difficulty.

Farsley were likewise reduced to 10 men in the 88th minute. Branson went for a 2nd yellow, his team's 7th, exposing the unusual fact that, by contrast, Diego's name was the only Buxton player noted by the referee. Yet it came too late to be of significant help to 'the Bucks' whose attention will now switch to next Saturday's home 'Trophy' tie versus City of Liverpool. It will be the 3rd cup-tie meeting between the clubs in 5 years but the hosts must play without the now-suspended, in-form striker, Diego.

Bucks: Dearnley: Brown, Hunt, Hull, Francis-Angol (Smart); Minihan, Weston (Boden), Kirby, McBurnie (Burrow); De Girolamo, Osborne. Unused Subs: Petrovic & Mantle