SCORE DRAW FOR FC

FC Buxton 2 - 2 Sheffield United

Following the abrupt end to their match two weeks ago, FC Buxton once again locked horns with the Sheffield United supporters' team, Inter Blades, on Saturday morning, in the return IFA League fixture between the two sides.

After enjoying the luxury of a day off the previous Saturday, mainly due to the generosity of new manager Taylor ('Merse'), the FC lads, particularly Tiff, were chomping at the butt for this one. The match was all the more anticipated due to the circumstances surrounding the early finish of the aforementioned previous fixture in Sheffield, when the Blades appeared to self-implode with the help of a referee with a twitchy hand.

With the manager out of the country on a Welsh scouting mission (all expenses paid of course), 'number two' Stuart Corbett was left to chance his hand at front-line management. With the help of Merse, he opted for the following teamsheet: Redburn. Staff. Corbett. A Gould. Betts. Drennan. Keane (c). Hill. Sheppard. D Gould. Hollins. Subs for FC were JLS and new-boy Rob Strong, who was signed for an undisclosed fee minutes before the match-registration deadline after impressing in a trial.

Dangry Gould and Kyle Hollins continued their blossoming partnership at the head of the FC line-up, with the latter going through what can only be described as a 're-birth' after his promising start to the season, culminating in his confident strike which put FC 1-0 to the good in the last outing. Time would tell whether this was to be another false dawn...

After the Blades had gained control of the midfield in the opening exchanges, stand-in manager Corbett was forced into an early shuffle of his pack, with Drennan dropping into the centre of midfield and the angriest striker in the world Gould taking his place on the right, as FC moved to 4-5-1.

The move appeared to do the trick and FC were soon in front through captain Keane. With the match reporter absent from the game, striker Hollins described the goal as follows "Bettsy throw in to me, I shielded it down and laid Robbie off and he rapped [sic] his foot round it on edge of box and curled in right in far top corner" ... Sounds sweet. 1-0.

HT 1-0.

After an altercation with a goal post just before half-time, their were doubts over goalkeeper Redburn at the break. However, with Jimmy JLS ready to step into the breach, Redburn declared he was fit to play on, much to the relief of the young boyband fan, who had forgotten his gloves. Strong came on for his debut as he replaced Sheppard on the FC left.

Redburn was clearly back to his normal self 20 minutes into the second-half, as he spilled the ball and United capitalised to grab the equaliser (sorry Mark, but that gag was there for the taking). 1-1.

Never fear, Berba is here! Hollins did indeed continue his hot streak as he restored Buxton's lead shortly after. As described by the man himself... "can't remember if it was a free-kick or corner, Gouldy headed it in the air towards the keeper, I jumped into him wiv ma [sic] back to him, he dropped it and I smashed it in from about 10 yards on the angle with about 4 of them on the line"... Sounds like something Arnie would be proud of. 2-1.

With FC leading under the guide of Chairman Corbett, Merse's job was clearly becoming under threat. With his back-to-back holidays leaving many of his team questioning his commitment to the role, this was not the time for his tactical nous and the results under his leadership to also be exposed to questioning. A win without him could spell trouble for the new boss.

Fortunately for him, everybody knows FC enjoy holding leads even less than Leeds United, and with 10 minutes to go, their South Yorkshire opponents hit back for a second time... "on a break away" according to Corbett. One may question what FC were doing on the attack with 10 minutes to go with a one-goal lead...? You and me both. Merse's reputation back intact. 2-2.

After substitute JLS had reportedly missed a "free header from 3 yards out. Put it wide", Largey blew the whistle for the final time and the teams had to settle for a draw.

Not a bad result given the absence of their inspirational leader, "the real special one" as Keane exclaimed after the match.

FT 2-2.

** Note: This match report was derived from a collection of eyewitness reports. The writer will not be held responsible for any inaccuracies, including, but not limited to, "smashed" shots that were actually probably scuffs. 

Team: Redburn. Staff. Corbett. A Gould. Betts. Drennan. Keane. Hill. Sheppard. D Gould. Hollins. Subs: Wright. Strong.

Assistant's MOTM: Robbie Keane - edged it for him due to scoring.