100 APPEARANCES AND DODGY CLEARANCES

Stuart Corbett made it a century of appearances on Saturday morning, as FC Buxton toiled to a goalless draw away at Halifax.

With the veteran defender pulling on the famous blue jersey (it was actually red this week) for the 100th time, player-manager Taylor had no choice but to start him, despite being presented with the selection headache that comes with 15 men making themselves available (for an away match!). The squad had been boosted by the withdrawal of Dan Gould (that'll make him angry!), due to him not wanting to spoil the transfer he had put on his arm on Friday night, but he showed his commitment by making the journey to support the team despite his removal from the matchday squad.  
He was replaced by Dan Gilbert, another product of FC's link up with the University of Derby, as he joined fellow student Gareth Love, who made his second appearance for Buxton following his debut in last weekend's comprehensive victory against Marine. After the presentation of a commemortative certificate to Corbett prior to the match, Taylor announced his starting XI as follows: Redburn. Staff. Corbett. A Gould. Love. Betts. Gilbert. Keane. Sheppard. Drennan. Hollins. Subs for the FC Bucks were Hill, Davies, the returning Dan Moss and Taylor.
 

FC started brightly and soon found themselves in front of the Halifax goal, with Kyle Hollins and Daymo Sheppard linking up well on the FC left. With the ball played into the box, Hollins failed to connect with the low cross and Drennan's follow up was blocked. A good chance spurned with little over a minute on the clock.

It very nearly did, and it was solely thanks to FC goalkeeper Mark Redburn that it didn't. Following an unfortunate slip from centre-half rock/pebble Andrew Gould, the Halifax striker Probets, with 15 goals to his name already this season, seized the opportunity for a shot on goal. His fierce drive was arrowing towards Redburn's top corner, but the Buxon stopper somehow managed to re-arrange his footing and push the ball onto the bar and over the top. Impressive stuff.

Changes were needed, and Taylor reacted by bringing Drennan back into the middle as he sought to get FC more of the ball. Holding midfielder Gilbert was given a more advanced role as skipper Robbie Keane was instructed to protect the shaky back-four.

This seemed to have the desired effect, as the visitors' ended the first half with much more assurance. Leading scorer Drennan came close to giving them a half-time lead when he assisted his own shot, but unfortunately he failed to make full contact.

Taylor was keen to emphasise the positives at the break. He knew his side hadn't played as well as they could, but they were still in the game, and this was made clear as they were encouraged to push on in the second half. FC had created chances in the first period, and if they could get more of the ball they clearly had enough to cause the home side concern. The interval saw one change, as international popstar Dan Moss entered the fray for the first time in over a month. He replaced the slightly tantastic Daymo Sheppard, who had clearly felt the effects in the first 45 of his 10 day over-indulgence in Dubai. Still, cracking tan. Left-back Love was given a more advanced role on the left side of midfield, with the versatile Staff (and his 'tache) switching to the left of the defence and Moss lining up at right-back.

FC Buxton began the second half more like their old selves. More composure on the ball, more confidence at the back and most importantly, more attacking intent. It was crucial that, if FC were to go home with anything from the game, they needed to push the hosts further back up the pitch, although it wasn't anticipated that full-back James Staff would take this task up all by himself...! His first foray forward ended up with a run across the pitch that had all the attributes of a lost puppy trying to find it's mother. Clearly panicked by his advanced position, he quickly kicked the ball out of play in the opposite corner and ran back to defence. Phew! His team-mates looked as confused as him.

Buxton were not the only team pressing for a goal, however, as the pacy Probets continued to cause problems for the away side's defence. Moss was given an early warning sign as the Halifax striker drew in the tackle and turned the FC right-back, his pace taking him free down the left. Fortunately his shot could only find the side netting.

Moments later, FC Buxton appeared to be about to take the lead, as the Halifax goalkeeper flapped at a cross and the ball fell to the feet of Love just outside the six yard box. Unfortunately, his fierce drive was blocked by the defender for an FC corner. The corner was whipped in by Adam Betts, and nearly caught the goalkeeper off guard as it swerved towards his near post. He was alert to it, however, and the score remained level.