A 12th-minute goal at the Ashwood End saw Buxton claim the new season's first silverware in the inaugural Markovitz Cup encounter against Matlock Town
For Buxton supporters in the opening half there was sight of five of the players who had contributed to the NPL title success of 2021/22, alongside three trialists and new signings Jake Moult in midfield, Declan Poole at right-back and Jack McKay in attack.
The Bucks produced some pleasing, penetrative soccer and two of the new men were prominent in the game's only strike, as Poole's accurate centre was headed back across goal for McKay to force the ball home at the far post, off a defender's body.
Managed by Paul Phillips, the Gladiators fielded their usual complement of ex-Silverlanders with five of them (Alex Byrne, Callum Chippendale, Ioan Evans, Mark Lees and Simon Lenighan, recently signed from Radcliffe) being starters, joined later by Alex Wiles.
The visitors showed sufficient promise to suggest another successful campaign as they provided very competitive opposition for the new-look Bucks. The second half saw the introduction to midfield of fans' favourite Lindon Meikle and trialists seeking engagement as new manager Jamie Vermiglio looks to complete his playing group for the National League North season that opens on Saturday, August 6th.
Diego De Girolamo and Josh Granite were unavailable for the game.
The Bucks squad has started to take shape for the coming season with addition of new recruits Jake Moult (Altrincham), Declan Poole (Connah’s Quay Nomads), Jack McKay (York City) and this week we signed experienced centre-back Shaun Brisley from Wrexham. They join James Hardy (Chester) and Sean Newton (York City) who have signed following loan periods last season. There will be full write-ups on the new recruits before the season starts.
We have said goodbye to a number of last season’s Championship winning squad: Matt Curley & Ben Milnes (Tamworth), Nathan Fox (Peterborough Sports), Ryan Taylor (Released) and Jamie Ward & Ben Turner (Ilkeston). Dan Cowan is expected to have a break from the game and Ash Chambers has asked for a release to play nearer his home.
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