Two goals from exciting prospect Ben Andreucci were not enough to give Buxton victory in their away Vanarama National League North match at Southport on Saturday March 23rd, as the Sandgrounders equalised twice to share the honours at 2-2.
Teenager Andreucci, on loan from the EFL's Bolton Wanderers, formed a potent attacking partnership with Jake Wright for the Bucks and capitalised on a goalkeeping mistake in the 18th minute. He scored again with a superb low drive after 47 minutes.
Neither side dominated the game for long periods, although first-half control belonged marginally to the home side and they made it 1-1 with a penalty after 39 minutes, when Josh Granite couldn't get out of the way of a close-up shot that he was adjudged to have handled.
It was better from the Bucks in the second period, until Southport's second goal, a prod home in stoppage time. Also in added time, two Southport players were sent off, both for bad tackles, but there wasn't time for the Bucks to capitalise on their numerical superiority. Full Match Report HERE
Team manager Craig Elliott thought his team did enough to win after a strong second-half showing, but there can be no grumbles about a point away from home.
He said: "I couldn't fault the lads. They put in a great shift, coming out fighting after the break, on the front foot but defending well when necessary, until we gave them a sloppy second goal, which is disappointing.
"Next we play two of the biggest clubs in the league, Chester and Hereford. Our focus is to be positive against them and move up the table."
Chester are the visitors to the Tarmac Silverlands on Good Friday, kick-off 3pm, then it's a trip to Hereford on Easter Monday, also kicking off at 3pm.