The Vanarama National League North game between Scunthorpe United and Buxton (Saturday September 9) was in stoppage time with the Bucks leading 2-1 when the referee gave a long blast on his whistle. It wasn't to end the match, however. It was to call it off because of deteriorating weather conditions. His decision wasn't clear until well after the players had left the pitch.
The referee's report to the FA will be considered by the National League to see if the Bucks can retain their hard-won three points or must replay the match against high-flying Scunthorpe.
It was Buxton's first visit to Glanford Park. Scunthorpe were relegated at the end of last season, having graced the EFL Championship as recently as 2011. They had finished fourth top of the old Division Two, enjoyed a record home crowd of almost 24,000 in an FA Cup tie and received a transfer fee of £2.5 million for Billy Sharp. Other notable former players include Kevin Keegan, Ray Clemence and Grant McCann with top managers down the years featuring names such as Mark Robins, Brian Laws and Stuart McCall.
On Saturday, it was a tense affair, made more so by the dismissal of Connor Brown for the Bucks at the end of the first half, after protesting at suffering a heavy tackle from behind. That was two minutes after Xander McBurnie had scored the opener, slotting home a rebound from a saved Jake Wright penalty.
The Bucks remained in front until a controversial 81st minute incident when Max Dearnley looked to be pushed and dropped the ball for Richie Bennett to score. Two minutes later Max Hunt restored the visitors' lead with a powerful header from a Connor Kirby cross. The last piece of drama before the referee's decision to abandon the game was a splendid Max Dearnley save from the penalty spot. Full Match Report HERE
Next up is Macclesfield away in the Emirates FA Cup Qualifier 2 on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.
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