Defying high winds and heavy rain, Buxton and South Shields, third and second respectively in the Pitching In Northern Premier League, provided a splendidly entertaining 2-2 draw for a 1,056 crowd at the Tarmac Silverlands on Saturday (February 5th), The encounter was a credit to both teams and their league.
The Bucks had to come from behind twice, with goals from Jason Gilchrist and Jamie Ward. It was Jason's second league goal in two games and Jamie Ward's 15th of the season.
New signing Sean Newton came on as a late substitute. Experienced defender Sean, 33, is on loan from National League North York City and played in the Football League for Chester and Notts County. He's an England C international. Full Match Report HERE
Buxton team boss Steve Cunningham said afterwards: "This was a great advert for the league. In spite of the weather it was good quality football. We got the ball down, played well and dominated for long periods. I'm disappointed we didn't win but it was a top-class effort, with the fans encouraging us all the way."
One of several outstanding Bucks players, midfielder Lindon Meikle, added: "It was difficult, but we grafted start to finish and the gaffer set us up to do our own thing against a very good South Shields. We were against the wind in the second half but the lads stuck together and became the better team. I thought we might have got a winner. Anyway, it's something more for us to build on."