Buxton visited the Warwickshire spa town of Leamington in the Vanarama National League North, Tuesday February 18, and came away with a point after Kieran Burton had scored with a diving header in the 80th minute to level the match at 1-1. The home side had led since just before half-time, after a powerful volley from 20 yards out, and Bucks' goalkeeper True Grant made an amazing save in the dying minutes to preserve the status quo.
Team manager John McGrath made three changes to his starting line-up, bringing in Connor Kirby, Cian Coleman and Ben Sault. Johnston, Popoola and Trueman dropped to the bench.
Typically, Buxton dominated possession – a wide margin 77% – but defences were on top in a tight, sometimes niggly game and there were relatively few chances for either side.
John McGrath was reasonably satisfied with the performance. He said afterwards: "We could have been two up early on, then gave away a sloppy goal.
"I'm pleased that the lads stuck in throughout the second period, in spite of the conditions. The pitch wasn't good, which did not help our style of play, but we have to take our chances, such as they were, better than this.
"We dominated the ball and should have been better in front of goal. The one point could prove valuable by the end of the season, though. We're away again on Saturday, off to Curzon Ashton and we'll prepare thoroughly in time for this important game."
When Buxton hosted Curzon Ashton in October the visitors sneaked a 1-0 win. Currently, they are ninth in the table, one place behind the Bucks. Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm.
In player news; Liam Ravenhill has signed for Matlock Town on a full time basis and Jack Stobbs has also ventured down the A6, this time on a loan to the end of the season. Stobbs scored on debut for the Gladiators against Ashton United on Tuesday night in a 2-2 draw.
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