If ever there was a game of two halves it was the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round Qualifying encounter at the Tarmac Silverlands between Buxton and Hyde United (Saturday October 15th). Not even the goalkeeping heroics of Buxton's Theo Richardson could keep the visitors out in the first half, then a resurgent Bucks turned the tables after the break to win 2-1, with a brace of goals from Scott Boden. The crowd of 1,425 was the biggest of the season.
Keeper Theo Richardson made three outstanding saves to hold Hyde at bay, before a 38th minute prod home in a goalmouth scramble gave a deserved lead to the visitors.
After looking second best for most of the opening 45 minutes, The Bucks came out after half-time with determination. It was 10 of the same 11 players who had looked out of sorts in the first period, with substitute Harry Bunn adding his menacing skills to the revitalised Bucks, as they mounted attack after attack, winning first and second balls.
Tommy Elliott was scythed down close to goal in the 65th minute and Scott Boden converted from the penalty spot. Then, in the 83rd, Scott diverted a low cross from Harry Bunn into the back of the net and the Bucks were on their way to the Round One proper for the second year running. Full Match Report HERE
"It's exciting to be going forward in the FA Cup," said manager Jamie Vermiglio, "but all credit to Hyde, who were robust and we didn't know whether to stick or twist early on."
Jamie relished the second half, however. He said: "We regrouped, changed shape a little and might have scored three or four. We moved the ball well and it was all underpinned by our defensive strength, with the excellent Theo backing everyone up. Our fans were there when we needed them as well. They were loud and proud."