Buxton halted the recent poor run of results with a resounding 3-0 win at Blyth Spartans (Saturday January 28th). A first-half goal by Sam Osborne followed by a brace from Brad Jackson after the break gave the Bucks reward for being quicker to the ball and consistently more creative than their Northumberland hosts. Travelling fans swelled the attendance to over 800 and shouted their support throughout.
The injury problems remain, however. Team manager Craig Elliott didn't have a specialist striker to choose from and several players turned out even though they were nursing knocks. Academy forward Nathan Wood was on the bench. Full Match Report HERE
Central midfielder Jak McCourt (Pictured) made his debut after signing from Warrington Rylands just in time to take part. Jak, 27, started his career at Leicester City and has played for several EFL sides, including Chesterfield in two spells, in the EFL and then the National League, making 75 appearances.
The Bucks have also acquired versatile Jordan Barnett from Matlock Town. Jordan was part of the Sheffield Wednesday and Barnsley academies and made 24 appearances for Oldham Athletic when they were an EFL club. He will start training with the Bucks this week.
Craig Elliott felt the win at Blyth could have been even more emphatic. He said: "It was a really good victory and we might have scored more. Tommy Elliott, Brad Jackson and Sam Osborne filled in up front and were brilliant. Jak McCourt had a fine debut, showing what he's capable of, while the whole side had a confident look about them after we scored the opener. We've had to face a lot of challenges, with injuries, some individual poor form and bad luck, but this was impressive.
"We're working at making more signings, but there won't be any panic The players we bring in must improve the side."
Next at home will be King's Lynn Town, second top of the league. Saturday's match at the Tarmac Silverlands kicks off at 3pm.