Vanarama National League North leaders and promotion favourites Scunthorpe United were held to a 0-0 draw by Buxton in front of 1,245 at the Tarmac Silverlands, the biggest crowd of the season (Saturday December 23). It was a fully deserved point for the home side, full of energy and determination.
The Bucks gave a debut to latest loanee Max Brogan, a box-to-box midfielder from Solihull Moors, and first home start to Dylan Motley-Henry, borrowed from South Shields. Team manager Craig Elliott was able to field a strong side, as the injuries situation has almost cleared. Diego De Girolamo missed out with a muscle strain.
There was a strong wind in the faces of the visiting Irons in the first half and Buxton edged the chances, but after the turnaround dour defending was required and skipper Josh Granite marshalled the rearguard action superbly. The Bucks still had chances, notably from another recent loanee, George Horbury, and the enterprising Tommy Elliott. What looked like a clear penalty in the 79th minute, when Dylan Motley-Henry was brought down, saw the referee waive away the appeals. Full Match Report HERE
Craig Elliott said afterwards: "It was a fair result, but the game lacked quality and neither goalkeeper had a lot to do. We're getting players back and trying to get them fully match fit. It was a team effort and it will get better game by game. Scunthorpe are a great team so we had to be resilient, and we were. It was a good point.
"Now it's a double header against Alfreton and we'll be positive, seeking to get more points on board and move up the table."
The Bucks go to neighbours Alfreton on Boxing Day, then the return match at the Tarmac Silverlands will be on New Year's Day, both kicking off at 3pm.
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