FC'S BARK AS GOOD AS THEIR BITE AS STUDENTS KEELE OVERKeele University 0 - 2 FC BuxtonReport written by Chris Hill (and moderated by the Spelling and Grammar Police).FC Buxton got back to winning ways this past Saturday after three successive draws, as they overcame a Keele University side on a fresh Staffordshire morning.
Buxton travelled lightly, not just because chairman Corbett had left his mammoth new football bag at home, as the squad was without Moss (gigging), Betts and Hollins (working), Sheppard (Liv – Man U), Davies (homework), Love (London), Bainbridge Jnr. (not allowed) and, most controversially, manager Taylor (dog sitting).
However, a welcome sight to all was the return of Redburn between the sticks and, fresh from a winter sun break in Jamaica, Gilbert also made a comeback. Added to that was a last-minute loan signing in the shape of young Dom Caley.
Following a rousing pre-match talk from the chairman, FC lined up as follows: Redburn. Bammer. Gould. Stu C. Staff. Gilbert. Drennan. Keane. Dan Gould. Tiff. Caley. Sub for FC was JLS (with the club having had appealed his previous week's red card, hoping it would be put up to four games... instead it was wiped out completely). 
The first half began in a cagey fashion. It soon became clear that the students' youth and willingness to knock the ball about was to be FC's biggest threat. However, Buxton showed their usual 'you break us down' spirit, as their shape and discipline again stood firm. The first 15 minutes passed with little action, with both sides sniffing each other out.
The first real chance of the half fell to the home side, as, after good work on the right, the ball fell to pacy striker Denzel, who fired over from close range. It was then FC's chance to open the scoring, when, following good work from Caley, Dangry fired a 25-yard effort low to the keeper's right. Following a good save from the stopper, the rebound found Keane, who showed his usual composure to fire wide. More Pedigree Chump than Pedigree Chum.
As the half grew on, it became apparent that FC's biggest threat was from their right, with Bainbridge and Gilbert linking well. Their mix of short and long range passing was causing the students problems and it was from this that FC nearly took the lead on the stroke of half time. A diagonal ball from Bammer was met by a knock-down from Hill to Caley, who couldn't keep his shot on target.
HT 0-0 - very cagey.
It was the students of Keele who were first out of the traps in the second half and they should of taken an early lead, but alas big Denzel was again the player at fault, as Redburn saved well. FC were still causing their opposition problems down the right, with Gilbert a particular threat. Buxton started to play some very decent football, with ball players Caley and Drennan now putting their stamp on the game.
FC were now taking control of the match, with Hill's physical presence causing the young Keele defence problems. It was following good work from Hill that on 56 minutes FC took the lead, when a lay-off found Drennan 30 yards out, who hit an old-school Dren pearler into the roof of the net, leaving the keeper no chance. The midfielder's 10th of the season putting the Bucks one up, with their tails well and truly wagging. 1-0.
The favour was nearly returned moments later when a cross from Drennan was met by Hill at the front post. He was denied by a last ditch tackle from the centre half and, ala Gascoigne '96, Caley couldn’t quite reach the rebound to convert goalwards. Coupled with FC's now free-flowing football, the Dad's Army-esque defence of Bainbridge, Gould and Corbett - plus Staffy to drag the average down - were holding firm, as well as proving there is indeed still life in the old dog yet, playing out from the back on numerous occasions. With a mix of precise passing football and disciplined defending, chances were now becoming more apparent, with Tiff on the end of most of them  .
Firstly, following a superb cross from Gilbert on the right, a towering header crept just wide and, seconds later from a Gould knock-down, a fierce volley destined for the top corner was bravely blocked.
The Ginger Mes…Dowie wasn't to be denied for long, however, as, after latching on to a pass from Bainbridge, he swung his chocolate leg (left foot), striking the ball as sweet as ever and leaving the keeper, his team mates, fans (Staffy's Mum and Dom's missus) and himself shell shocked as it burst the net. Worldly. 2-0.
The game entered it's last twenty minutes…now known as Keane and Drennan time (like Hammer Time but less catchy). The renowned FC midfield two were now running the show. It was the little terrier Keane who kept FC's two goal lead intact, when, following a counter attack from Keele, what seemed a certain tap-in was denied by a last-ditch tackle from the skipper.
At the other end, Dren was now well and truly off his leash, linking well with Dangry and Gilbert and going close on several occasions. With 10 minutes left on the clock, sub JLS had the chance to put the game beyond doubt, but his usual greyhound-like pace deserted him in a race with the Keele skipper.
FT 2-0.
As the referee signalled the end of a match played in an excellent spirit, FC's mix of discipline and good football had earned them a well-deserved victory following a cagey first half. The result gives FC an important boost, as they return to IFA League action this coming Saturday against Crewe Alex.
Best in Show: David Bainbridge. |
