Title chasing Blacon travelled from Chester to face a Buxton side full of confidence following back to back victories. A sunny Church Lane, New Mills welcomed the teams and the reasonable crowd were treated to a frantic start to the game. The pace of the game was unrelenting and it was no surprise that the first real moment of composure brought the first goal. Sam Kilner found time to put a foot on the ball and find Alex Palmer with a through ball. Palmer still had work to do but his sublime chip left the visiting keeper helpless to give the Bucks the lead. Blacon reacted in a manner to be expected from a team at the top of the league and in three cup finals. In searching for the equaliser they hit the woodwork twice and forced a string of fine saves from Buxton keeper, Joe Armstrong. It was against the run of play that Buxton broke away to double their lead ten minutes before half time. Build up play involving Kilner, Ryan McDermott and Palmer lead to ball falling to the feet of Sam Cowley, 30 yards from goal. The Bucks midfielder didn't hesitate and crashed a spectacular left footed drive into the roof of the net.
The second half started with Blacon dominating possession as they desperately sought a way back into the game. Buxton defended gallantly with the centre half pairing of Luke Jackson and James Allen performing brilliantly all afternoon. However, with 25 minutes to go, they were powerless to stop Blacon giving themselves a life line and getting the goal they deserved. A cross from the right hand side was smashed into the net past Armstrong giving the visitor's renewed hope and setting up a grandstand finale. Blacon continued to press and were given the chance to equalise when they were awarded a penalty with quarter of an hour remaining. Armstrong had other ideas and made a fantastic save low to his right to preserve the Bucks lead and knock the stuffing out of the visitor's. With ten minutes remaining the home side were given a free kick on the edge of the area. Mackenzie Holdgate crossed and local youth product, Jake Hodgson reacted quickest to tap in past a motionless keeper to seal victory. Every Buxton player gave 100% to execute manager, Rick Adrio's game plan in a match that was a credit to both teams and the Cheshire League.
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