Saturday 26th October Buxton (6) 7 Needham Market (1) 1 ATT 667

An absolutely scintillating and sensational first-half display versus the first-time Suffolk visitors Needham Market set up the Bucks for their biggest-ever Vanarama National League North victory, 7-1, in their 105th fixture. Having previously netted just 13 goals in 12 league outings, the goal bonanza both delighted and surprised the home faithful, with many in the seated section providing a spontaneous half-time standing ovation.

After Tuesday's excellent lone-goal victory at then seventh-placed Chester, the hosts, attacking the Railway End after losing the toss, showed an early appetite for attack, but only after Ben Sault's speedy recovery snuffed out a threat from lively visiting forward Valentine.

Three early Buxton thrusts, generated on the right flank, failed but were penetrative, yet the opening goal in the 10th minute came from a True Grant long-kick to be finished exquisitely from 12 yards by Tommy Elliott, who throughout gave a sparkling man-of-the-match performance.

 Thereafter the first-half goals flowed at regular intervals in the 15th, 23rd, 34th, 39th and 45th minutes, while the Marketmen netted in the 26th. The Bucks, stronger and quicker than their opponents who crucially lacked the Morphew duo, the long-standing core of their defence, were full of confidence, with attacking flair translated into rapid passing movements and a willingness to shoot.

The second goal fell to Leeds Utd loanee midfielder Cian Coleman on his home debut.  n the inside-left channel, as Elliott had been for the opening goal, he likewise shot low, but from 20 yards, a deflection taking the ball into the far corner of the net. The third goal resulted from the pass of the day by Josh Popoola on the left touchline at half-way and it set up Coleman again as he was Mr Cool in twisting and turning to shoot home from close range.

Only three minutes on, in the 26th, the Marketmen reduced their arrears to two as Valentine took advantage of some uncharacteristically shoddy home defending also to score from close to goal, but film evidence showed an undetected handball offence by the scorer.

Almost at once at the other end, Elliott looked to have been brought down in the penalty area but referee Chadwick cautioned him for simulation. These combined controversial incidents halted Buxton's momentum, but only for seven minutes.

Then visiting 'keeper Garnham just pipped Ethan Fitzhugh to a through ball, but less than a minute had elapsed before Popoola's raking, low, diagonal ball from the right wing found the onrushing Elliott on the six-yard line at the far post. Tommy slid the ball home to make it 4-1 yet there was a feeling that the 'keeper should have been better placed to intercept the cross.

Only five minutes on, with the home crowd nearing disbelief in their joy, Elliott completed his hat-trick with a composed finish following a combination by Fitzhugh and wing-back Jack Stobbs, who is offering much improved support from the right-flank. This was Tommy's first Buxton hat-trick, on his 154th appearance in his sixth season, after netting just once in 2023/24. The first-half scoring was completed as added time was beginning. Captain Connor Kirby, returning after injury in place of Callum Leigh, clearly relished a centrally-placed free-kick 21 yards out and he speared the ball into goal under the left angle of post and bar.

It was a half of such intensity, with the like of its six home goals nobody could recall, so it was hardly a surprise that after the interval, though rarely troubled, the Bucks couldn't add to their tally till late on. It wasn't that they seemed deliberately to ease off but rather that the Marketmen creditably stuck to their thankless task rather than caving in and that 'keeper Garnham, who had been near-helpless to prevent the first-half avalanche of goals, was in position to make three vital saves in the last quarter, first using his legs to deny Fitzhugh, then substitute Sam Tomlinson with just about his first touch and finally to thwart fellow sub, Diego De Girolamo, who in the 87th minute did net comfortably from eight yards as the outstanding Elliott's pass found him.

So Buxton recorded by far the NLN's biggest victory of the season to date, taking the club up from 17th to 14th. For those who revel in club "stats", this was the Bucks' biggest win since the 7-0 F.A. Cup home drubbing of Belper Town in the short-lived Covid season of 2020/21 and was one of just four matches since 1945 to have featured six Buxton goals before half-time, the last being in January 1968 in the 10-0 Derbyshire Senior Cup demolition of visiting Ashbourne Town.

On Tuesday the Bucks make the short journey to Radcliffe (7.45pm) for the re-arranged NLN fixture and next Saturday travel to take on seventh-placed Kidderminster Harriers (3pm).

Bucks: Grant; Mann, Ravenhill (Delap), Burton; Stobbs, Kirby (Leigh), Coleman, Elliott, Sault (Tomlinson); Fitzhugh (De Girolamo), Popoola (Rose).

 

Tuesday 22nd October Chester (0) 0 Buxton (1) 1 ATT 1807

Ethan Fitzhugh scored the only goal, and Chester missed a late penalty as The Bucks picked up all 3 points at The Deva Stadium. Manager John McGrath made 2 changes to the team that lost at King’s Lynn on Saturday with Callum Leigh in for Diego De Girolamo and Fitzhugh was a late replacement for Archie White. Connor Kirby returned to the bench.
Chester started brightly, with Charlie Caton delivering an early cross into a dangerous area, only to be cleared by a sliding challenge from Kieran Burton. Former Buxton player Dylan Mottley-Henry registered the first shot on target, his effort safely gathered by Manchester City loanee True Grant. Despite Chester’s early pressure, it was Buxton who took the lead. In the 14th minute, Fitzhugh unleashing a powerful strike from distance, finding the back of the net to make it 1-0. Buxton nearly doubled their advantage just two minutes later. Cian Coleman attempted to chip on -loan Manchester United ‘keeper Elyh Harrison, but his shot, under pressure, drifted just wide of the post. Chester continued to threaten, with Caton again involved. His effort seemed destined for the far corner, but Grant was equal to it with a fine save. After enduring a spell of Chester pressure, Buxton countered, with Fitzhugh winning the ball back and linking up with Josh Popoola. Popoola beat his man before firing a 20-yard shot that went just wide. Iwan Murray’s low header provided the last chance of the half, but it missed the target as Buxton held a narrow lead at the break.
Chester came out in the second half with a point to prove, and within just 30 seconds, George Glendon’s header was tipped onto the crossbar by Grant. Murray nearly set up Harrison Burke from a corner, but Burke fired over the bar from close range. Glendon then combined with Mottley-Henry again, this time with his header going straight into the hands of the Buxton goalkeeper. In the 78th minute, Chester’s Tom Peers was taken down in the box by Burton, and the referee didn’t hesitate to point to the spot. Kurt Willoughby stepped up to take the penalty, but his shot rocketed against the post as Buxton maintained their lead. Despite late pressure and possession from Chester, Buxton held on to secure a much-needed three points and a clean sheet.
Bucks: Grant; Stobbs, Mann, Burton, Fitzhugh (Tomlinson); Leigh, Ravenhill, Coleman; Popoola, Sault; Elliott (Kirby). Unused Subs: De Girolamo, Cooper & Mantle

 

Saturday 19th October King’s Lynn Town (2) 2 Buxton (0) 0 ATT 979

First-half goals from Ross Crane and Josh Hmami secured a 2-0 victory for Kings Lynn against Buxton on a rainy afternoon at The Walks Stadium. Despite the torrential downpour, both sides started the game brightly. Buxton’s Ben Sault whipped in a dangerous cross early on, but Kings Lynn keeper Patrick Boyes was quick to gather. Moments later, Kieran Burton made a crucial last-ditch tackle to deny Hmami an opportunity. Buxton looked to create openings, with Liam Ravenhill and Jack Stobbs linking up well down the right. Stobbs delivered a dangerous cross, but it narrowly missed the reach of striker Diego De Girolamo. De Girolamo had another opportunity in the 33rd minute, beating his man before seeing his shot blocked by a Linnets defender.
Kings Lynn made their breakthrough in the 35th minute. Tom Hughes played a pinpoint long ball to Dylan Crowe, who delivered a perfect pass across goal for Ross Crane to slot into an empty net, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead. Just three minutes later, the hosts doubled their advantage. Finlay Barnes broke forward and found Hmami, who took a touch before firing past Buxton goalkeeper True Grant to make it 2-0 before the break.
Buxton dominated possession in the second half but struggled to create any clear-cut chances. Kings Lynn, meanwhile, continued to push for a third goal. Josh McCammon threaded a through ball to Hmami, whose shot was heading for the far corner until Grant produced a fine save to deny him. The hosts had another opportunity when Cody Johnson’s shot from close range was blocked behind for a corner. As the game entered its final stages, Tommy Elliott drove past a couple of defenders and got a shot away, but it drifted just wide of the post. In the end, Kings Lynn’s solid first-half performance was enough to seal all three points, leaving Buxton unable to mount a comeback.
Bucks: Grant; Stobbs, Mann, Burton, White; Ravenhill (Leigh), Coleman; Elliott, Sault, Popoola; De Girolamo (Tomlinson). Unused Subs: Cooper, Fitzhugh & Mantle

 

Saturday 12th October Buxton (1) 1 Hereford (1) 2 ATT 738

Despite producing an improved performance and looking worthy of a draw, the Bucks nonetheless slipped late to a second consecutive home defeat versus a top-half opponent, this time 2-1, who arrived unbeaten in five Vanarama National League North away fixtures.

Manager John McGrath opted for a radical reshuffle of both personnel and formation. Finn Delap's three-match ban required Ethan Mann to return to centre defence where he seemed far more comfortable, while Jack Stobbs looked the best yet in supporting attacks from right-back. The twin strikers were demoted to the bench, as wide men Ethan Fitzhugh and Josh Popoola were restored, with Tommy Elliott, arguably showing his best form yet, as principal striker.

The even first half proved particularly entertaining as the Bucks played a full part, making a promising start while attacking the Ashwood End. Popoola's penetrative potential was revealed twice in the first three minutes with dangerous low crosses and from one, Elliott's intelligent step-over required only an on-rushing but absent midfielder to score. Another promising home attack in the 18th minute resulted from Ben Sault's forceful central run and pass to Elliott but he was crowded out and Hereford broke away to create an opening for midfielder Rose, who netted low from 12 yards into a net corner.

Yet the hosts continued to look lively, but Fitzhugh was fouled as he embarked on a run forward then Sault's speculative 25-yard drive cleared the bar by some margin. However, the equaliser came just past quarter-time in controversial fashion. Stobbs used his crossing ability to find Connor Kirby in far-post territory. His header from eight yards struck the post and the far-side assistant awarded the goal, much to the displeasure of visiting players and their Popular Side supporters alike.

Exchanges continued to be even but as added time was about to begin, a lofted left-flank cross set up the previous scorer Rose for a powerful goal-bound header but True Grant's flying save was exceptional.

Shortly after the interval, excellent work by Sault on the right, followed by another clever Elliott step-over, set up a clear scoring chance for Popoola 16 yards out but his shot was narrowly wide of the near post.

This looked a potential turning-point and so it proved, eventually. Otherwise, the third quarter was an evenly-contested slow-burner apart from the 58th-minute replacement of the much-criticised (by visiting supporters) Popular Side assistant by the fourth official.

Into the fourth quarter the action resumed its former intensity, with both Kieran Burton on the left and Sault on the right making exciting progress forward, the latter successfully taking on three defenders, but under pressure he narrowly missed the target from 16 yards.

Substitutions were made by both sides in pursuit of a winner and while it was still either team's game, the experienced visitors looked increasingly threatening. A very long ball forward found Rose in space but Grant again saved superbly, this time with his legs, before the 'keeper almost immediately denied the same player once more, but with a tip-over save.

Winger Ceesay, who had tormented the Bucks on a previous visit, had some luck in getting close to goal before the ball was cleared and close to the 90-minute mark substitute Williams missed a clear headed chance six yards out. However, the veteran striker had the last word in added time as he ghosted free but onside to net confidently from six yards.

So, the young Bucks lost for the sixth time in seven NLN outings and in the next 10 days are scheduled to visit top-six teams in King's Lynn Town (on Saturday) and Chester (on Tuesday October 22) in search of a first point on the road after three away defeats by a single goal. For encouragement, both venues yielded victories last season.
Bucks: Grant; Stobbs, Mann, Burton, White; Ravenhill, Kirby; Fitzhugh (Andreucci), Sault (De Girolamo), Popoola; Elliott. Unused Subs: Leigh, Tomlinson & Mantle.

 

Saturday 5th October Buxton (0) 0 Curzon Ashton (1) 1 ATT 650

A combination of a crucial, first-half defensive error and an inability to create clear-cut scoring chances contributed on Saturday to Buxton's defeat versus third-placed "Nash", who achieved their fourth away win in five Vanarama National League North fixtures and their first Silverlands success at the fourth attempt.

After the midweek Emirates FA Cup exit at Kidderminster, who had recorded just their second victory in seven outings, three changes were made to the starting 11, in a 4-4-2 formation. Archie White replaced injured loanee Charlie Finney at left-back, but it was his 22nd-minute scuffed clearance from close to the Railway End goal that allowed ex-FCU midfielder Griffiths to net clinically from 12 yards. Returning from injury, Josh Popoola replaced Jack Stobbs but couldn't unlock the visitors' solid rearguard, apart from a promising eighth-minute run which was ended by Barton's professional foul, a misdemeanour not punished with the mandatory yellow card by referee England, who had a less than happy afternoon, by contrast showing two reds and 10 yellows in all. Buxton's third pre-match change brought the return of Diego De Girolamo to partner Ben Andreucci but both strikers were well-policed by the long-established centre-back pairing of Matthews and Poscha.

 In the first-half the well-organised visitors pulled eight or nine men back whenever the Bucks looked to attack, but then broke out skilfully with accurate passing movements, causing True Grant to make several saves, as he was also to do after the interval, whereas his opposite number Jones (ex-Stockport County), fielded a few shots without being forced into serious action.

In the second quarter after the goal Nash looked comfortable in their lead and in the 39th minute striker Spencer created an opportunity for himself to fire against the bar from 20 yards, but on the stroke of half-time Connor Kirby's clever low free-kick threaded its way untouched through the crowded visiting penalty area and narrowly wide of goal.

The interval induced a renewed vigour in Buxton's approach and almost immediately a visitor's mis headed clearance passed close to the far post for a corner-kick, after which Kirby shot powerfully but wide from 18 yards, then Ben Sault, from similar range, shot firmly into the 'keeper's midriff.

Both sides made substitutions, including the introduction of Tommy Elliott for his 150th Buxton appearance, but the game's pattern was unchanged, though there were moments of inspiration such as loanee Finn Delap's fine tackle and immediate superb long pass out to the left.

As full-time approached, tempers flared close to the dugouts following Delap's reckless challenge on substitute Afuye, resulting in red cards for both the Buxton player and his manager as well as several yellow cards for participants on both sides. However, the hiatus served Nash well as it side-tracked the Bucks from their search for an equaliser, yet it was only Grant's outstretched foot that deprived Spencer of a goal early in the eight minutes of added time.

So, Buxton, though striving gamely in their first fixture versus any of the leading teams, slipped to a fifth defeat in their last six NLN outings. A clue to the situation lies in the fact that nine league fixtures, six of them at home, have yielded just 11 goals.

Next Saturday Buxton entertain Hereford at 3pm in a fixture brought forward from Tuesday November 26th.

Bucks: Grant; Mann, Delap, Burton, White; Leigh (Elliott), Kirby; Popoola (Fitzhugh), Sault; De Girolamo (Tomlinson), Andreucci (Pedro). Unused Sub: Stobbs

 

Saturday 28th September Buxton (0) 1 Kidderminster Harriers (0) 1 ATT 806 (Emirates FA Cup 3rd Qual)

The Bucks clung on under sustained pressure in the last quarter-hour on Saturday to earn a 1-1 draw and second chance of making FA Cup progress in Worcestershire on Tuesday. Gritty, utterly determined defending kept the Harriers at bay as they forced several corners and a headed clearance from under the bar while piling on the pressure at the Ashwood End.

Such an exciting end was in marked contrast to the oh-so-disappointing first hour of this tie which in that period lacked the passion of many previous, rousing Silverlands cup contests.

Lacking five injured front-line players and with regular loanee marksman Ben Andreucci on the substitutes' bench, Diego De Girolamo and Tommy Elliott still looked capable of unlocking the visitors' comfortable rearguard but the hosts generally seemed too cautious and cagey in their approach to threaten more than occasionally. These two experienced players created their team's only first-half opening in the ninth minute. De Girolamo showed consummate skill in controlling an accurate long ball forward and when Elliott crossed from the left, the striker chested the ball wide. With most of Buxton's play concentrating on their left, the returning Jack Stobbs on the right was starved of both support and possession.

For their part the Harriers in that first hour seemed content to play well within themselves and likewise threatened only occasionally, with man-of-the-match Kieran Burton regularly thwarting their attacking attempts, aided by Elliott in the 38th minute when robbing Bradford City loanee Harry Ibbitson, after home 'keeper True Grant had conceded possession in the final third.

After half-time the Bucks did show rather more urgency, but it was the visitors who went close when ex-Darlington midfielder Jack Lambert fired a 56th-minute rising drive over the angle. However, nine minutes on, a Buxton corner-kick caused turmoil close to goal and Burton forced the ball over the goal-line. It was a goal that the match had needed for at least 45 minutes as it forced Harriers to come out of their shell and the lead lasted a mere four minutes as a right-flank, low cross was guided out of Grant's reach by Ibbitson.

The Bucks did produce a response when substitute Djavan Pedro couldn't find the necessary headed finish from Ben Sault's difficult lofted, short cross but from then it was the Harriers who increasingly gained the upper hand.

Just past the hour, the visitors' nationally-known manager, Phil Brown, had introduced his three most experienced players in veteran striker Amari Morgan-Smith, midfielder Luke Summerfield (from FC Halifax Town) and defender Joe Foulkes (Walsall) and they all contributed to the control their side firmly established and never lost.

The draw for the competition's final qualifying round is on Monday, while next Saturday, at 3pm in the Vanarama National League North, high-flying Curzon Ashton visit the Tarmac Silverlands stadium.
Bucks: Grant; Mann, Delap, Burton, Finney; Ravenhill (Leigh), Kirby; Stobbs, Elliott (Pedro), Sault (Tomlinson); De Girolamo (Andreucci). Unused Subs: Fitzhugh, Mantle & Brightmore

 

Monday 16th September Barwell (1) 1 Buxton (0) 2 ATT 381 (Emirates FA Cup 2nd Qual Replay)

Buxton came back from being behind again to progress through to the next round of the FA Cup with a 2-1 victory at Barwell. Manager John McGrath made just the one change from Saturday’s side with Callum Leigh earning a first start at the expense of Liam Ravenhill, who dropped to the bench. Kieron Berry broke early on with pace down the left-hand side for the hosts and got a cross into the head of Ethan Hill, but it went straight into the hands of True Grant in the Bucks goal. In the 12th minute, Ben Andreucci had Buxton’s first shot of the game, turning in the box and sending it just wide of the post. Barwell broke through Buxton’s defence, and it was again Berry, this time one-on-one with Grant, who had to make himself big to deny the forward. It wasn't long before they broke the deadlock when, in the 26th minute, a ball through the middle found Hill, who smashed it in to make it 1-0. It almost went from bad to worse for Buxton, with Kieran Burton making a last-man tackle but only picking up a yellow card for the foul.
Buxton started the second half on the front foot and, in the 49th minute, found their equaliser. A good passing move on the left-hand side fell to Diego De Girolamo, and his right-footed shot hit the post and went in to make it 1-1. Oliver Brown-Hill responded immediately for Barwell, with his cross/shot hitting the post and Grant having to claw the ball away from the danger area. The Bucks, however, took the lead with Andreucci passing the ball across to De Girolamo, whose shot came off the post and into the net to make it 2-1 in the 65th minute. Despite late pressure from Barwell, with Grant claiming crosses at the end, Buxton held on to get themselves through to the next round.

Bucks: Grant; Mann, Delap, Burton, Finney; Leigh, Kirby; Fitzhugh, De Girolamo, Elliott (Pedro); Andreucci. Unused Subs: Cooper, Tomlinson, Ravenhill, Mantle & Smith

 

Saturday 14th September Buxton (0) 2 Barwell (2) 2 ATT 623 (Emirates FA Cup 2nd Qual)

On the day that the passing of club legend David 'Bammer' Bainbridge was impeccably honoured pre-kick-off, Buxton staged a second-half revival to earn a replay on Monday versus their former Northern Premier League rivals Barwell, who fully deserved their place in Monday's draw.

With six players on the injured list, loanees Ben Andreucci, returning from Bolton Wanderers for a second spell, and left-back Charlie Finney from Crewe Alexandra were given debuts and both more than looked the part. However, the Bucks were responsible for their own first-half troubles, conceding two bizarre goals, the first coming in less than two minutes. What seemed like a regulation Barwell free-kick from the right-flank at the Railway End produced a Liam Ravenhill miscue then Ethan Mann's attempted clearance found the net. The hosts gradually recovered from the shock but missed chances to equalise before conceding again, in unexpected fashion, in the 41st minute. Frailty in the air at the back has been an unwanted feature to date but Barwell's second goal came in a new way as Hill's lofted, inswinging corner-kick sailed over 'keeper True Grant into the far top corner of the net.

By then the Bucks should at least have been level. In just the 12th minute a neat passing move gave Diego De Girolamo a shooting chance centrally from 15 yards but, under pressure, he missed the target and three minutes on he had another opportunity with a 19-yard, centrally-placed free-kick but neither did that effort trouble the visitors.

Arguably the best chance occurred just into the tie's second quarter. Two fine diagonal passes, first by Ravenhill then by Finney, saw Andreucci sliding in at the far post but he couldn't make the vital contact.

Yet generally the hosts, dominating possession, were playing across the front of the visiting defence as Barwell, with their goal advantage, felt able to funnel back in numbers. The pace and crossing ability of the injured Josh Popoola was clearly missed. The outstanding example of this came after the half-hour when, remarkably, the Bucks strung together as many as 28 consecutive passes without being able to fashion an opening.

At the interval the highly-promising forward Sam Tomlinson was introduced on the left and within seven minutes his shot had forced a vital save from 'keeper Highland with a foot, then almost immediately Finn Delap fired over the top from eight yards. The Bucks, however, were showing ample urgency and the returning Andreucci in the 57th minute made it five goals in seven Buxton appearances as he benefited from Diego's pass to net low and confidently from 10 yards.

With the crowd enlivened, the hosts persevered to equalise in the 71st minute as Diego perfectly converted a spot-kick following Highland's foul on Andreucci after he had neatly rounded the 'keeper.

All seemed set for Buxton now to create a winning goal but within a minute the resilient Barwell went close to regaining the lead as experienced defender McManus (ex-Halifax) unleashed a 30-yard power-drive that tested Grant, who pushed the ball upwards before catching it under the bar.

Admirably, the visitors pressed forward whenever possible and even introduced veteran, 39 years old Leroy Lita, for a cameo performance in their bid to achieve a first Silverlands success in six visits. Yet it was the hosts to come closest to victory in added time as Kieran Burton's long diagonal, lofted, ball to the right wing was headed back by Mann but recently-introduced substitute striker, Djavan Pedro, couldn't quite squeeze the ball home.

Bucks: Grant; Mann, Delap, Burton, Finney; Ravenhill (Tomlinson), Kirby; Fitzhugh, De Girolamo (Pedro), Elliott; Andreucci. Unused Subs: Leigh, Granite, Cooper, Mantle & Smith

 

Saturday 7th September Buxton (2) 2 Rushall Olympic (0) 0 ATT 670

Buxton returned to winning ways on Saturday with a deserved 2-0 success versus struggling former Northern Premier League rivals Rushall Olympic, who have now lost all four away fixtures.

Loanee Finn Delap was given a debut at centre-back, with in-form Kieran Burton switching to left-back from where he formed a most promising partnership with the outstanding Josh Popoola, who was instrumental in creating both goals. After suspension, Diego De Girolamo made a season's debut which was most timely as Sault and Stobbs had joined Trueman and Williams on the injury list.

Attacking the Ashwood End, the hosts enjoyed 71% first-half possession as they quickly developed superiority in most attractive fashion, but unfortunately play was to be frequently disrupted by injuries, so that referee Hible correctly assessed that a record 15 minutes of added time was appropriate.

Yet even these distractions couldn't dim the excellence of Buxton's left-flank play. On the quarter-hour Popoola's pace and low pull-back evaded all, but then just three minutes later another dazzling run was ended by a foul. The ensuing free-kick looked to have brought a home lead. Diego set up the opening with a sharp turn "on a sixpence" and he prodded the ball over the line after defender McDonald had mis-kicked the ball against his own bar. Harshly the referee disallowed the "goal" for a foul on much-travelled Rushall 'keeper Paul White.

However, the Bucks were not to be denied as their fast-moving, accurate passing produced more openings, almost exclusively from the left. Just before the half-hour Burton and  Popoola at half-way were too determined and smart for their opponents, with the latter racing down the left to cross low to give Tommy Elliott, eight yards out, ample time to pick his spot. More delays followed but the hosts maintained their positive, effective attacking and in the seventh minute of first-half added time captain Connor Kirby doubled their advantage in a remarkably similar manner to the opening goal.

Again Popoola was the creator, initiating the move with a quite brilliant trick at half-way that left two opponents floundering. He ran on into space, crossing low for Kirby to finish comfortably.

Yet despite their dominance, the Bucks were most fortunate to reach the interval with a clean sheet as Delap, twice, and 'keeper True Grant made serious unforced errors in possession close to their own goal. They were saved by poor Pics finishing. Firstly on 45 minutes, Arlott-John, from 12 yards, could only find the side-net, while veteran striker Luke Benbow, Buxton's nemesis during several of as many as five spells with Stourbridge, twice failed to score from these mistakes.

The pace of visiting left-winger Pennant also posed a threat but a half-time defensive shuffle involved introducing substitute Archie White to left-back, with Ethan Mann moving to right-back, snuffed that out. Within two minutes White had burst forward to see his fierce, low, 20-yard drive beaten out by his namesake.

Sadly Popoola was soon forced off through injury but Buxton mounted more dangerous attacks. A fine, fast-passing move narrowly failed to create a clear opening, then, close to the hour, White's deep cross found Kirby but his header narrowly cleared the bar. Nonetheless the Pics now achieved an even share of possession, forcing several corners, and from one in the 81st minute a clearance from under the bar was needed to preserve the two-goal advantage. At the Railway End the hosts remained dangerous with Mann taking up attacking positions on the right without being able to find a suitable final ball.

Substitutions were made but the very watchable action continued into added time, most notably in its second minute when the experienced visiting captain, Nathan Cameron, made an error then fouled likely scorer, substitute Djavan Pedro, both to concede a penalty-kick and his own dismissal. Kirby shot wide from the penalty spot. Even so, it was a successful afternoon for the Bucks, particularly for central midfielder Liam Ravenhill, who produced his best display of the season to date and one doubtless approved of by the watching former Silverlands favourite, Chris Dawson. 

Bucks: Grant; Lusala (White), Delap, Mann, Burton; Kirby, Ravenhill; Fitzhugh (Tomlinson), Elliott, Popoola (Leigh); De Girolamo (Pedro). Unused Sub: Granite

 

Tuesday 3rd September South Shields (1) 1 Buxton (0) 0 ATT 1785

Buxton faced South Shields in a tightly contested match, ultimately falling to a narrow 1-0 defeat, with Aiden Rutledge’s first-half header from a freekick proving to be the difference between the two sides. The match began with Buxton making one change to their starting lineup, as Archie White stepped in at left-back for the injured Josh Williams. The visitors started brightly, creating several early opportunities. In the 4th minute, Djavan Pedro found Connor Kirby in space, but the midfielders shot sailed over the bar, missing an early chance to put Buxton ahead. Just minutes later, Liam Ravenhill delivered a dangerous cross, only for it to be blocked and collected by the South Shields keeper. Buxton continued to push for an opener, with Sault dragging a shot wide in the 22nd minute after a good cross from Lusala. Pedro remained a constant threat and forced the South Shields keeper into a save in the 24th minute with a well-struck shot on the spin. Despite Buxton's pressure, it was South Shields who broke the deadlock in the 45th minute. Colbey Shepherd won a free-kick on the left, and Robert Briggs delivered a cross into the box which Rutledge met with a powerful header, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead just before the halftime whistle.
Kyle Crossley had a chance to double the scoreline in the 54th minute, but his volley went just wide of the target.  In the 63rd minute White saw his effort from the edge of the box fly over the bar. The hosts nearly added a second goal in the 67th minute when Jamie Bramwell's header from a Briggs free-kick was saved, and again in the 73rd minute when Jid Okeke’s cross was collected by True Grant in goal. As the match neared its conclusion, Buxton came close to snatching a late equalizer. In the 87th minute, Kieran Burton displayed quick feet to get a cross into the box, which found Jack Stobbs. However, Stobbs' first-time effort went agonizingly wide, leaving Buxton to rue their missed chances.

Bucks: Grant, Lusala, Mann, Burton, White (Granite); Ravenhill (Leigh), Kirby; Pedro (Tomlinson), Sault (Stobbs), Popoola; Elliott. Unused Sub: Ayres

 

Saturday 31st August Southport (1) 3 Buxton (1) 2 ATT 1257 (138 Visiting)

The Bucks on Saturday suffered a third consecutive odd-goal defeat at Haig Avenue, South Shields, this time 3-2, but there was little to choose between the teams. The visitors can be encouraged by a display that was a distinct improvement on last Saturday's disappointing showing at Peterborough.

This was a meeting between sides which had made successful starts to the campaign but had both then gone pointless over the holiday weekend, with Southport particularly smarting after back-to-back 1-4 reverses. Yet there had been an interesting contrast of approach by the two clubs over the summer. Southport manager Jim Bentley had deliberately sought greater experience in his squad and recruited six players aged 30 or more, while John McGrath's team at Haig Avenue again averaged 22.

For the match, Buxton's three changes included Monday's scoring substitute, Djavan Pedro, making his full debut in place of Jack Stobbs, Dermi Lusala restored at right-back as Ethan Fitzhugh was injured and Ethan Mann recovered to play, but Josh Granite was back in action within 30 minutes, replacing the injured Josh Williams.

On their Community Day, the hosts took the lead in the 14th minute in disappointingly comfortable fashion as they strung together a four-man passing move with the visitors unable to make a challenge as Hilton gave True Grant no chance with a low shot.

However, within five minutes the Bucks were level, courtesy of an outstanding individual strike by wide man Josh Popoola, who seems to specialise in spectacular goals. Following an accurate passing move, he cut in from the left to positively stroke the ball from 18 yards into the far top corner. For the remainder of the half exchanges continued to be even, with the visitors ending with a brace of corner-kicks and from the second Mann's header found ex-Witton and Curzon 'keeper Renshaw.

The Bucks resumed where they had left off with three promising but ultimately fruitless attacks, yet nine minutes in it was the Sandgrounders who scored the vital next goal.

Unlike Buxton these many years, Southport have a long-throw specialist in left-back Doyle and, against the run of play, an unnecessarily conceded throw-in allowed him to launch a missile that was headed down by Proctor for the equally experienced Lloyd to ram home at close-range.

There was ample scope for hope of a second equaliser, particularly as three forward substitutes in Jack Stobbs, Sam Tomlinson and loanee Josh Ayres were successively introduced over a 26-minute period. Despite a number of promising attacks, however, it proved elusive and in the first minute of added time it was Southport's Morgan who netted as he profited from fellow substitute Carver's cut-back. Nonetheless the Bucks persevered and two minutes later Kieran Burton, who had been excellent as the emergency left-back, nodded in unchallenged at a corner-kick for his first Buxton goal.

However, for once, a referee played exactly the stated amount of five added minutes so the Bucks must on Tuesday (kick-off 7.45pm) travel to South Shields, who won at Scarborough on Saturday, in search of their first reward on the road.

Bucks: Grant; Lusala (Tomlinson), Mann, Burton, Williams (Granite); Ravenhill (Leigh), Kirby; Pedro (Ayres), Sault, Popoola; Elliott (Stobbs).

 

Monday 26th August BUXTON (0) 1 MARINE (2) 2 ATT. 826

'The Mariners' maintained their phenomenal record of being the most successful visiting club by winning 2-1 at Buxton on Monday, to make it a pointless holiday weekend for the hosts. With just 1 goal & 1 point from 4 games, Marine truly defied the form-book to record a 22nd victory out of 39 Silverlands visits!
The damage was done in the first half as recently-signed ex-Blackpool striker, Bradley Holmes, netted a brace at the expense of a Buxton rearguard that failed to impress in defending set-pieces. His first, on 10 minutes, came from a free-kick that wasn't cleared but fortuitously fell to the striker 10 yards out. His second, in the 44th minute, proved crucial as the home defence, with Josh Granite replacing the injured Ethan Mann, at a corner was forced to clear a Marine header from under the bar only for Holmes to head back into the far corner of the net
'The Bucks' could not complain about the interval deficit. This had been the least effective first-half display of the 4 at home to date as the young side, more than Marine, seemed to be short of their usual energy in their second match in 3 days as they attacked the Ashwood End. Yet they made their best chances early with a 6th-minute corner, struck low, evading 4 bodies close to goal, then, from a penetrative Jack Stobbs free-kick, Kieran Burton's header passed narrowly wide. On the half-hour an initially puzzling incident also promised a home goal. Visiting Bolton loanee 'keeper, Hutchinson, miskicked a back-pass and he then handled the ball as the on-rushing Tommy Elliott threatened to score but a free-kick for a foul was awarded to Marine. Referee Clarke later explained that a little-known summer rule change now permits a 'keeper to handle in such circumstances, unlike previously. Meanwhile, Marine offered a frequent threat, forcing home 'keeper, True Grant, into several diving catches, one being from an overhead kick following another dangerous dead-ball delivery
Summer signings Dermi Lusala & Djavan Pedro were introduced for the second half & the latter paid an immediate dividend. Within 4 minutes, following a Buxton flag-kick, he received the ball at a corner of the penalty area & released a low power-drive that comprehensively beat the 'keeper at his near-post. Within a couple of minutes, the revitalised hosts were twice very close to creating clear openings as they entirely dominated proceedings until just past the hour. It was then that a lengthy stoppage for treatment to the injured Will Trueman robbed 'the Bucks' of a momentum they never regained with Marine legally breaking up play as another new rule suited their agenda. Five subs. are now permitted in the NLN & experienced visiting manager, Neil Young, introduced all 5 at regular intervals. It would seem, sadly, that we will often see such a tactic when a team is leading but under pressure in the 2nd half.
Nonetheless, 'the Mariners' created as many openings as 'the Bucks' & in one, a 4 attackers versus 3 defenders situation as Buxton pushed forward, Robinson shot high & wide. The hosts mounted pressure late on but Marine's defending was sound.
On Saturday, Buxton visit Southport (k.o.3 p.m.).

Bucks: Grant; Popoola, Granite, Burton, Williams: Trueman (Ravenhill), Elliott; Fitzhugh (Lusala), Sault (Pedro), Stobbs (Tomlinson); Elliott. Unused Sub: Leigh

 

Saturday 24th August Peterborough Sports (1) 1 Buxton (0) 0 Att

Buxton suffered their first defeat of the season away at Peterborough Sports, with the hosts securing a 1-0 victory after a first-half header from Ryan Fryatt. The match began with an early opportunity for Buxton after Michael Gash was penalized for handball in the 3rd minute, gifting the visitors a free kick in a dangerous position. However, the resulting effort sailed over the bar, failing to trouble Peterborough's goalkeeper, Peter Crook. Buxton continued to press in the early stages, with Tommy Elliott creating a chance in the 10th minute, beating his man and delivering a cross that found Josh Popoola in the box. Unfortunately for the visitors, Popoola's shot was blocked by a Peterborough defender, keeping the score level. Peterborough began to grow into the game, and their persistence paid off in the 17th minute. A well-delivered corner found Fryatt, who rose above the Buxton defence to head the ball into the net, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead. Dan Jarvis came close in the 48th minute, winning the ball off a goal kick and seeing his shot deflected behind for a corner.
Another opportunity fell to Eliot Putman in the 52nd minute, but his first-time volley flew well over the crossbar. Peterborough had chances to extend their lead, with MJ Kamson-Kamara's header being cleared off the line in the 61st minute and Dion Sembie-Ferris missing the target after some skilful play from Putman in the 71st minute. Buxton's best chance to level the score came in the 83rd minute. Popoola's shot was saved and fell to Dejavan Pedro, whose close-range effort was brilliantly saved by Crook. Despite Buxton's efforts late on, they were unable to find a breakthrough, and Peterborough held on to claim their first win of the season.

Bucks: Grant; Lusala, Mann (Granite), Burton, Williams; Ravenhill (Trueman), Kirby; Stobbs (Fitzhugh), Sault (Pedro), Popoola; Elliott (Tomlinson.

 

Tuesday 20th August Buxton (2) 2 Darlington (0) 0 Att 782

Buxton have achieved three wins out of the three matches played to be one of four Vanarama National League North clubs with a 100% record and on Tuesday evening looked great value for their 2-0 win against Darlington.

The energetic young side proved far superior to a Darlington outfit that must have gone home grateful for escaping a heavier defeat. The Bucks displayed an admirable work-rate, pressed the Quakers relentlessly when they were in possession and won a pleasing percentage of tackles to frustrate the visitors' attempts to develop their game. In possession the hosts impressed the enthusiastic crowd with fast-moving attacks based on imaginative movement and accurate passing. The sole surprise was that they scored only twice and not at all in an equally dominant second half, in which the Bucks performed far better than in the second period of the previous two outings.

The visitors started well enough in attacking the Railway End and came their closest to scoring all evening when Maskell's high lob from the right rebounded from the far post.

Yet within 10 minutes Buxton had established control and from Kieran Burton's sumptuous chip forward, then Ben Sault's squared pass, Tommy Elliott's goal-bound drive was diverted for a corner-kick. Almost immediately, 'keeper Jameson was forced to make the save of the night from Sault's shot and midfielder Mark Trueman was next to threaten with a 25-yard low drive touched wide for a corner. On the quarter-hour an incisive Buxton move on the right led to Ethan Mann's central, rising drive narrowly clearing the bar. In the 22nd minute, however, there was no escape for the Quakers as a short-corner routine produced a lofted cross that was met by Josh Popoola's towering leap and downward header into the goal's far bottom corner.

The Quakers by this stage had been reduced to the occasional threat, mainly by low, diagonal balls into the danger area but they were dealt with and the Bucks doubled their lead in the 37th minute from a superb attack that covered the full length of the pitch as the ball was played out from the back to reach Tommy Elliot. His pass found Ethan Fitzhugh on the right and the winger bulged the far corner of the net with a glorious, first-time, left-footed strike.

Even now there was to be no letting-up, either before or after half-time, but the hosts couldn't add to their lead, notably just past the hour when Popoola's surging left-flank run and cross was met by Sault's 17-yard rising drive that cleared the bar.

Five minutes on, the faithful were looking in vain for a penalty award when debutant substitute, Djavan Pedro, was challenged in the act of shooting. They then had a few minutes of anxiety following a heavy collision between home 'keeper True Grant and Maskell, but happily both recovered. Fast-flowing Buxton attacks continued and it really was hard to believe that they only led by two goals, but though the Quakers persevered in trying to halve the deficit, the home defence, with Burton outstanding, stood firm. They did fashion one opening late on, with a right-flank move leading to substitute Cornish's far-post shot, but it found the well-placed Grant.

So the Bucks have certainly and stylishly made the most of opening the campaign with three home fixtures. On Saturday they take to the road for the first time with a journey to Peterborough Sports (3pm), returning home on Bank Holiday Monday for the visit of recently-promoted Marine (also at 3pm).

Bucks: Grant, Lusala, Mann, Burton, Williams; Trueman (Ravenhill), Kirby; Fitzhugh, Sault (Stobbs), Popoola; Elliott (Pedro). Unused Subs: Granite & Tomlinson

 

Saturday 17th August Buxton (1) 2 Farsley Celtic (0) 1 Att 702
In a gripping, entertaining encounter on Saturday, the Bucks made it two wins from two but it was a close-run thing as the hosts had to battle hard, with some good fortune, to earn the points against Farsley Celtic, which had also been the case the previous week.

There were other similarities, too. The Bucks were at their best in the first half, playing some scintillating soccer and looking much the better side versus opponents who had won away last Saturday. Likewise, the visitors fought back, equalised and continued to look dangerous to the very end. But it was Buxton who produced the late winning goal as the back-cloth to a thrilling yet tense finale with the six added minutes becoming eight.

First attacking the Railway End, the Bucks soon posed a threat as Dermi Lusaka's long ball forced Manchester United loanee goalkeeper Tom Wooster to race out to clear, then a Mark Trueman cross was headed away from under the bar before another long pass by 'keeper True Grant released Tommy Elliott on the right. His accurate cross set up Ben Sault for a diving header caught by Wooster. Only a minute later, in the 23rd, Buxton did lead, but it was a disastrous error that permitted it. Visiting centre-back Tom Allan (ex-Alfreton), in possession, slipped 30 yards out and the adjacent Connor Kirby took advantage, ran on to face the 'keeper but the unselfish skipper laid the ball off square for Sault's tap-in.

The remainder of the second quarter firmly belonged to Buxton and the only disappointment was that the lead was not doubled. Josh Williams broke quickly on the left but his imaginative diagonal ball was slightly off target, then a penetrative through ball found Sault marginally offside, before the attacking midfielder all-but robbed Wooster at the edge of his penalty area.

After such a dynamic home display, Farsley's fight-back was somewhat unexpected but only 17 seconds into the second half Manasse Mampala fired high over the bar from 10 yards. Five minutes later the striker had another chance following a free-kick but shot directly at Grant from similar range, then Ben Atkinson's goal-bound shot was deflected for a corner.

The Bucks were still offering a threat and Josh Popoola went close when near goal but injury to and substitution of key midfielder Kirby just past the hour was a blow. Celtic certainly suffered misfortunes, twice striking the underside of the bar, firstly with an Allan header then from a thunderous 30-yard Ryan Watson (ex-Scarborough) drive, but in between the visitors unsurprisingly found an equaliser in the 76th minute through an Atkinson header.

Yet by then Buxton had introduced Jack Stobbs in an attempt to regain the initiative. The former Sheffield Wednesday winger had been limited by injury to one early pre-season outing but now produced two superbly penetrative crosses within five minutes. His first so narrowly evaded Popoola at the far post but the second, in the 84th minute, was intelligently headed back across goal by Elliott for Popoola to force over the goal-line.

Even now the action was far from over. Centre-back Josh Granite was introduced to further stiffen resistance as goal threat abided at both ends. Home substitute Sam Tomlinson beat two defenders close to the target before seeing his shot blocked and Sault robbed a defender only to have his firm drive diverted away from the onrushing Popoola by Wooster's strong right hand. However, in the 94th minute desperate Buxton defending was required and at the very end a Farsley corner had the home faithful on tenterhooks till the final whistle ensured only a third victory in 11 meetings versus something of a "bogey" team.

The Bucks are one of five teams with a 100% record ahead of Tuesday's visit by Darlington (at 7.45pm), who have yet to taste success.

Bucks: Grant, Lusala, Mann, Burton, Williams; Trueman (Tomlinson), Kirby (Ravenhill); Fitzhugh (Stobbs), Sault, Popoola; Elliott (Granite). Unused Subs: Ayres.

 

Saturday 10th August BUXTON (1) 2 LEAMINGTON (1) 1 ATT. 711

There have certainly been more than a few fairytale finishes to games at Buxton over the years but Saturday's end to the first competitive outing as a full-time outfit undoubtedly matched many of them. Man-of-the-match midfielder Ben Sault scored a splendid, individual winning goal late in the second-half added time, to make it Buxton 2 Leamington 1. He forced his way centrally past two defenders, then skilfully beat 'keeper Hawkins to shoot into the empty net.
Until then the second half had been a stalemate with only a few clear chances created as neither 'keeper was extended. The best of them, in the 70th minute, fell to visiting striker Berridge, who created a fine opening for himself but allowed True Grant to make a comfortable low save to his left. For Buxton, the ever-dangerous midfielder Sault was played in but his final ball was disappointing. There was ample neat approach play by the hosts, who overall enjoyed 70% possession, but generally moves were too intricate around the penalty area to pierce a solid Brakes' rearguard.
This second-half scenario was in marked contrast to the opening half-hour of the Spa Towns "derby" that was controlled by the rebuilt home team which included just two members of last season's squad, Tommy Elliott, who featured as a striker in the absence of the injured Djavan Pedro and the suspended Diego De Girolamo, and captain Connor Kirby, who impressed with accurate long-passing from centre midfield and some examples of crucial covering in defence.
The new team's average age was just 22 (whereas in last season's opening match it was nearly 31) and from the outset there was abundant youthful exuberance, but also admirable quality as the Bucks dominated. They took the lead on the quarter-hour with a goal created by the penetrative Sault's low cut-back from the right and indecisive Brakes' defending allowed the ball to reach Elliott eight yards out and he coolly netted.
The advantage was close to being doubled soon afterwards by another Sault low cross from the right, but the ball evaded wide midfielder Josh Popoola, then fellow wide-man Ethan Fitzhugh fired low and hard from 18 yards with Hawkins (ex-Burton Albion) beating out the shot at his near post.
However, the Brakes grew more into proceedings as the half neared its conclusion and they achieved an equaliser on the stroke of half-time. Midfielder Stewart produced a fine penalty-area turn and low drive to the near post that went in off Grant's body. It was the first goal in eight Buxton appearances that the 'keeper had conceded.
So, the new era began with a victory and there were plenty of plaudits, particularly for young newcomers Sault (21) and left-sided centre-back Kieran Burton (20), while established stalwarts Elliott and Kirby were also significant contributors. Finally, words of praise for excellent referee Gareth Thomas who yet again produced a fine, low-key Silverlands display, aided by two disciplined teams playing in the correct manner.
The Bucks are at home again on Saturday (3pm) as the Farsley Celtic fixture has been reversed.
Bucks: Grant, Lusala, Mann, Burton, Williams; Trueman (Ravenhill), Kirby; Fitzhugh (Ayres), Sault, Popoola; Elliott. Unused Subs: Leigh, Granite & Stobbs.