FC Buxton 3 – 1 Burton Albion Supporters FC

FC Buxton came out on top in horrendous conditions at Fairfield Centre on Saturday morning, as they entertained Burton Albion Supporters FC in the fifth meeting between the two sides. First half goals from Will Drennan and Dave Bainbridge, followed by another Drennan goal early in the second half, stretched the FC Bucks unbeaten IFA home record to 10 games, having not lost a competitive game at home since September 2008.

Following last weekend’s comprehensive friendly victory against MUFC High Peak, it was clear that Burton would be a much tougher proposition. The previous four meetings between the two sides had all been relatively tight encounters, with the Bucks coming out on top in three of them. The strong winds meant the match would be a game of two halves – grit and determination would be the key to victory.

The gaffer had a strong squad of 14 to choose from. Utility Corbett had come back down to earth after his ‘goal the other week’ and returned to the side, alongside recent absentees Mosschops and Drennan. Pritchard was still being detained in Customs following his return from Africa, and was therefore unavailable for selection for the second week running. Gav ‘the gob’ Johnson had been ruled out for the season earlier in the week (due to a ban imposed by High Peak Borough Council’s Noise Pollution unit), and was replaced in the squad by new signing Andrew Gould.

The Cat opted for the following line-up (from L to R): Mark (gk). Merse. Mossy. Ryan. Stu. Dom. Bammer. Tiff. Dren. Crimmins. Berba. Substitutes for the FC Bucks were Gould, Betts and Bolton.

Captain Moss lost the toss and Burton decided to kick against the wind in the first half. It was therefore crucial that Buxton took advantage of having the Fairfield hurricane on their side in the first 45. FC Buxton pressed from the off, with the conditions making it difficult for Burton to get out of their own half. The visiting goalkeeper could only watch in horror as his kicks struggled to leave his own box. Any that did were pounced upon by the impressive Hill (who drew blood for the cause) and Bainbridge in the Buxton engine room.

In the 10th minute, the Bucks made the early pressure count. The lively Caley darted down the Buxton left and whipped in an inch perfect cross for Dren to plant a bullet header to the keepers’ left. 1-0. Almost immediately there was a sense of déjà-vous as Caley again skinned the Burton right back. His exquisite cross met Bammers’ left boot on the half volley, with the ball flying into the bottom corner. 2-0.

The conditions were getting worse and for the remainder of the half FC struggled to maintain their earlier pressure. A succession of over hit balls gave the front two little to feed off, and any chances that they did manage to create were spurned by the ‘can’t shoot won’t shoot’ feet of the Tiffster. Burton managed a couple of forays forward, but on the whole it was pretty comfortable for the Bucks, although they knew that the real test would come in the second half.

HT 2-0.

The message from the gaffer at the interval was clear – organisation. It was important that Buxton maintained their composure with the wind in their faces (which the defenders thought was a result of Bammers’ Friday night curry…). No changes were made at the break.

Drennan gave the Bucks the perfect start to the second period when he found the bottom corner with a good strike from the edge of the area. 3-0. Minutes later, Utility Corbett tried to get his name on the score sheet at the other end when he blocked Redfern's clearance. The deflection was heading straight for Redburn’s net, but a reaction straight out of ‘The Martin Turner Scrapbook’ diverted the ball onto the post, the loose ball then being pounced upon by the Buxton stopper.

Buxton were finding some joy in keeping the ball out of play for as long as possible, so ferocious was the wind.  When the ball was in play, the Bucks looked dangerous on the counter, with Caley and Drennan both finding some good spaces on the flanks. One example of such was seen when Caley kept the ball in despite calls for a throw in by the Burton lads. His run up the wing played in Hollins, who was brought down by a nasty looking challenge by the Burton defender. To Hollins’ disbelief (he sported an eggy-leg for the rest of the day); referee Large waved play on and Burton broke down their right. The tricky left winger let fly with a rocket of a shot and Redburn had no chance. 3-1. Although I didn’t quite catch the build up to this goal, I have been reliably informed it was Utility Corbett’s fault. Turner was left seething by this and Corbo was quickly replaced, making way for Gould for his debut at the back.

Time was running out for Burton, and Buxton were profiting from some swift attacks to catch the visitors on the break. A smart ball into the box by Bettsy was met by fellow sub Bolton at the far post. Somehow, Bolton diverted the ball the wrong side of the woodwork, and the score remained unchanged. I blame the wind…

And there it was. FC Buxton marched on towards the final whistle to make it two wins on the trot, and leave Turner with a selection headache ahead of next week’s trip to Sharrow Vale. 14 man-of-the-match worthy performances had left the boys from Burton blowing in the wind…

FT 3-1.

Ex-gaffers MOTM: Dom Caley.