Buxton's 4th pre-season fixture provided a competitive encounter versus Neil Baker's well-organised, hard-working NPL, Division One (West) team which looks likely to equal or better last season's 3rd-placed finish.
Even though Jack McKay, Jake Moult and Diego were unavailable, 'the Bucks' in the first half fielded only one new face who showed some promise in a left-sided attacking role. However, after some even exchanges it took the visitors until near the half-hour mark before exerting a degree of pressure with Jason Gilchrist heading wide from 15 yards. Warren Clarke again provided a cutting edge on the left but without a goal resulting. Leek also had their moments, notably around quarter-time when a Buxton trialist defender's wayward back-pass had Theo galloping back towards his goal to see the ball pass narrowly wide. From the resulting corner-kick the 'keeper made holding Harrison's powerful header seem simple. Theo also showed fine form twice late on in the second half, firstly in making a full-stretch, low save from a substitute's drive then, just prior to the final whistle, producing a goal-saving block from a shot towards his near post.
Buxton fielded several new trialists in the second half, including two recent EFL players, with one a classy performer in midfield as manager Jamie Vermiglio looks to swell his already-signed squad to provide added quality, competition and cover across the departments. Pressure was exerted on the home goal but shots were blocked and Leek's defence met the challenge.
On Tuesday 'the Bucks' visit last season's F.A. Cup opponents, Sherwood Colliery (7-45 p.m.) at Mansfield Woodhouse and next Saturday entertain Warrington Town (3 p.m.) in their last pre-season fixture.