Stockport 3 – 2 FC Buxton

FC Buxton made the short trip to student central Fallowfield this weekend, to take on Stockport County supporters on the 3G pitch at Platt Lane. Excited at the prospect of fake grass, even Jimmy JLS made a special effort to attend.

Chairman/Gaffer/General annoyance Stuart Corbett had a reasonable squad of 12 to choose from, with the added advantage of knowing each man was in good shape after all had attended training in the week – thought to be an FC Buxton first.

Reginaldo returned to the matchday squad for his second debut after his short stint in the North-East with Sunderland’s under-14s, and immediately took the much coveted spot on the bench. Merse also made a return after missing the last game (which seemed some years ago now) due to a suspected spillage in aisle 13. The starting line-up read as follows: Mark. Bettsy. Stu. Mossy. Merse. Dren. Tiff. Ben. Dom. Jamie. JLS.

Buxton knew the match would be a test following two heavy defeats at the Lane in recent years. Concentration from the start was a must. Corbett had clearly tried to null any attacking threat from Stockport with the youthful back four selection.

The match started slowly with both sides struggling to find any rhythm. Despite the tireless work of the front two for the Bucks (£20 please JLS), little was sticking, and they had to make do with a couple of half chances through Dren and Jamie. However, it was clear the FC Bucks had come to terms with what was needed on the artificial pitch, and they played some good football from the back.

Given the improvement in their display compared to recent visits, it was somewhat harsh that they went into the break 1-0 down. A tame effort looked set to be gobbled up by China House’s Redburn in goal, but his dive took a turn for the worse as he diverted the ball into the back of the net. 1-0.

HT 1-0.

Reginaldo took off his tracksuit to replace Jimmy up-front at the break, who had heard a rumour they were selling JLS t-shirts cheap out of the back of some bloke’s car on a nearby road. Gaffer Corbo gave permission for him to go chase his dream. Meanwhile, the Tiffster had made the executive decision to move himself up-front, as he went in search of Buxton’s first goal at this ground. The crowd gasped in anticipation as he took his place up-top, with one onlooker likening him too “a young Iain Dowie – without the looks”.

                        
FC started the second half with a good spell of pressure, and were rewarded with the equaliser when a cross was diverted in off Reginaldo’s left buttock (a skill he had apparently learnt from Niall Quinn at Sunderland). Nobody looked more surprised than Chipp, and he wheeled away in Shearer-like celebration, rubbing his cheek as he went… 1-1.

However, the parity was not to last long, as the old Buxton mistakes began to creep in. Stockport went ahead when a misjudged offside trap was taken full advantage of by the County striker. 2-1. Further embarrassment followed as FC failed to clear their lines following a corner from the right, which was met by a smart finish inside the six yard box. 3-1.

It would have been forgivable to have expected an onslaught to follow. Much has been written about FC Buxton’s failure to keep their heads when the chips are down, and it seemed as this would be another day when fuel was added to the fire. However, the mistakes appeared to spur on the FC Bucks, and a good period of possession followed. Any breaks Stockport did manage to muster were immediately quelled by the strong tackling of Bolton and Drennan - who even made a boy cry.

Buxton got back in the game with 10 minutes remaining when debutant Jamie nipped in at the near post and finished with aplomb. 3-2. FC kept pressing and thought they had nicked a late equaliser when an inch-perfect cross from Bettsy (£20 please Adam) was met by an impressive Caley volley. However, the linesman flag was raised and the goal disallowed for offside. Bettsy said it was “never offside”; however, it was unclear whether he was just trying to claim the assist.

The final whistle went and despite the score-line it was not a bad day for the FC Bucks, who had proved themselves on a good surface against a good passing side. Corbett beamed with pride as he took his puff for a long hot shower…

FT 3-2.

Ex-gaffer’s MOTM: Will Drennan.