Double championship-winning manager, Nicky Law, on Tuesday returned to the scene of his former triumphs (in 2006 & 2007) with his new club, but it was Buxton skipper, Josh Granite, who lifted the Markovitz Cup at the end. Those hoping to see ex-Silverlanders Shaun Brisley, Connor O'Grady & Liam Hardy were to be disappointed as Liam was present but didn't figure while the 2 centre-backs were injured. Without his 3 most experienced players, the visiting manager opted to allow 'the Bucks' ample possession with 8 of his men funnelling back to deny the attackers space in the final third of the pitch.
As a result, clear openings proved difficult to create but Ethan Fitzhugh fired a spectacular 25-yard effort, caught by 'keeper Townsend, while attacking right-back did well to provide crosses from his flank & midfielder Ben Sault enlivened the crowd with a stirring run-in midfield. The opening to the 2nd half decided the outcome as Buxton continued to press from the kick-off & 2 minutes in a threatening attack saw the visiting 'keeper,18 yards out, using his feet but Sault robbed him and gleefully and instantly netted. Just past the hour, Diego made his best contribution by teeing up Liam Ravenhill, whose shot was deflected for a corner. The usual substitutions understandably hindered the flow of the game but the hosts' continuing control was emphasised in the 74th minute when a Matlock trialist defender was dismissed for a 'last-man' foul 19 yards out on Saturday's hat-trick trialist-the 3rd consecutive match in which an opposing defender had been sent off.
The coming week offers a stiff challenge for 'the Bucks', at Macclesfield on Saturday (at 3 pm) and, at home, next Tuesday, versus Burton Albion (at 7-45 pm).
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