In the last pre-season friendly Buxton shared 4 goals with recent rivals, Warrington Town, who again look capable of a NPL promotion challenge. Both teams played passing soccer to create an entertaining spectacle for the ample crowd as the respective managers continued to assess several trialists. The visitors started more brightly and pierced the 5-man home defence in the 7th minute as the lively Luke Duffy netted from 19 yards with a firm ground shot just inside a post. Three home trialists were initially on view and 2 of them combined in an immediate response but the ensuing shot was blocked. Yet 'the Bucks' had a great opportunity to equalise from the penalty spot in the 16th minute after ex-'Alty' pivot Tommy Hannigan's clumsy challenge on Warren Clarke but Diego's shot rebounded from a post. However, the 27th minute did bring a home goal as a precise passing move in the visiting penalty area saw Shaun Brisley hammer home low from beyond the far post. Exchanges continued to be even into the 2nd half, with home manager, Jamie Vermiglio, introducing James Hardy, Jack McKay then Jason Gilchrist as well as another trialist winger in a tweaked formation. The returning Jake Moult in the 65th minute set up his side's 2nd goal with a fine diagonal pass for Hardy, who had an impressive half, to net superbly much as Duffy had done earlier. The visitors then had a good spell and scored the day's 4th goal in the 85th minute following a 5-man passing move and long cross from the right that was headed into goal by striker, Mikey Howard, who had previously troubled 'the Bucks' as a Hednesford loanee from Preston.
With regulars Lindon Meikle and Declan Poole absent, there was no clear indication of the likely starting line-up for next Saturday's opening Vanarama NLN fixture at Peterborough Sports, especially as decisions have yet to be made on the several trialists still with the club.
Last Tuesday the Bucks won 4-1 at Sherwood Colliery with goals from Poole, Gilchrist and 2 from a trialist.