Buxton are out of this season's Emirates FA Cup. The third qualifying round replay at Kidderminster resulted in a 2-0 win for the Harriers, a deserved outcome for the cup tie overall, although the Bucks fought to the very end. A coach full of enthusiastic Bucks supporters had helped swell the crowd to 1,123.
It was a changed side from Saturday, with Callum Leigh, DJ Pedro and Ben Andreucci in from the start. Josh Popoola, who has made such a positive impression on the left since joining this summer, returned to action from injury as a second-half substitute. Harriers were at full strength.
The home side took a 29th minute lead through Jack Lambert, straight after Ben Sault had brought a last-ditch save from their goalie. They sealed the game two minutes into the second half, when Harry Ibbitson finished powerfully for the second goal. After that, Ben Andreucci went closest for the Bucks, who kept working hard, to no avail.
Team manager John McGrath said: "We didn't take our first-half chances and gave away a sloppy goal. That was very disappointing because we were doing well. We went 2-0 down straight after the break and that was bad news.
"Our young lads have to learn quickly from this kind of game, but there are loads of positives. I'm looking forward to the rest of the league campaign with so many points at stake, starting with a game against Curzon Ashton. We've got players coming back to fitness, which is a big bonus."
The Bucks are at home to third-placed Curzon Ashton on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.
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