An early Diego de Girolamo penalty and late strike by Jason Gilchrist sent Buxton through to the Emirates FA Cup Second Round, 2-0 winners against Southern League Premier side Merthyr Town (Saturday November 5th). They were watched by an enthusiastically vocal crowd of 1,879 at the Tarmac Silverlands.
It is the second season running that the Bucks have made it to Round Two but visitors Merthyr played well above their league status and goalkeeper Theo Richardson had to be at his best to keep a clean sheet. It was well into the second half before the Bucks could stamp any kind of authority on the game. Full Match Report HERE
Team manager Jamie Vermiglio commented that the game wasn't a classic and gave credit to Merthyr as an attacking force. He said: "Our work rate was as good as ever, but we didn't do well enough in possession. Merthyr had nothing to lose and played with a freedom that caused us problems.
"We changed to a back three during the second half and engaged their attacking full backs much better, enabling us to see the game out, comfortably in the end. We did it with grit and endeavour. The fans appreciated that and were great, behind us all the way."
The Bucks named two 17-year-old Academy players in their squad. Nathan Wood, top goal scorer for the Academy and grandson of life-long supporter Vic Woodroffe, made his debut in injury time. Academy captain Ollie Sherwood was also on the bench. Both are local boys, Nathan having attended Fairfield Primary School and Buxton Community School, Ollie at Harpur Hill Primary and Buxton Community. The draw for the next round takes place on BBC2 tonight (Monday) from 7pm.
The Bucks are soon back in action with an away Vanarama League match at Gloucester City on Tuesday night at 7-45. Changes will be made with AFC Fylde recalling defender Luke Burke from his loan and midfielder Connor Kirby serving a one match ban.
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