Snow stopping them as FC make it two on the bounce...

FC Buxton 2 - 1 Stockport County Supporters

FC Buxton made it two wins out of two at a whitewashed Fairfield Centre on Saturday morning, as a gritty performance gave them victory over the Stockport County Supporters’ team.

With the Fairfield pitch having controversially passed an early(ish) pitch inspection - despite an inch of snow on the ground - Gaffer Stu sent his  troops out on an uncoventional pre-match warmup known as 'brushing'. Emergency referee Martin Turner (yes...The Cat) seemed happy enough with proceedings as he strutted towards the centre circle, whistle in hand.

With a bare 11 to choose from, Corbett's team "picked itself", albeit with a little help from latest FC recruit Gould. The lineup was as follows: Redburn (GK). Redfern. Corbett. Gould. Merse. Dren. Bolton. Tiff. Caley. Hollins. Hallman. FC were again Bettsy-less, who continues to recover from depression caused by Liverpool FC. Crimmins meanwhile, had apparently already abandoned his 'new man' regime, his seat empty as the team coach chugged along Bench Road...

Stockport started the stronger of the the teams, and it was little surprise when they took the lead on 20 minutes, with the lively no.15 cutting inside and unleashing a swerving shot, which, despite being straight down the middle, was powerful enough to beat the unlucky Redburn. FC appeared to still be in shock from the emergence of a mysterious pair of white ‘briefs’ which were found nestled inside their kitbag prior to kick-off. Despite nobody being able to claim these, the ‘JLS’ inscription on the backside gave an indication of their origin. 0-1.

Buxton were struggling to get any sort of grip on the game, with only a couple of forays forward to show for their efforts. They were losing the battle, and Corbett promptly responded to this by dropping Hallman back to create a five man midfield. Redburn was at times forced to single-handedly keep them in the game, with a couple of top-drawer saves to his right earning him the adulation of his team-mates. There was an underlying feeling that FC would be better off concentrating on keeping themselves in the game till half-time, at which point they could regroup and plan their comeback.

HT 0-1.

Corbett kept things as they were at the break (he had no choice!!), but offered words of encouragement to his team, notably that the hardest work was done, and they would get more chances to impose themselves on the game in the second half, with the slope in their favour.

Bhoyed by Utility’s half-time rallying cry, Buxton started the second half with an air of confidence, and Caley and Drennan began to find some joy on the flanks. Bolton also started to reap the rewards of another tireless display, driving FC forward at every opportunity, whilst breaking up any Stockport attempts of a counter in the process. The hard-working Hollins was findimg more space amongst the tiring visitors’ defence, with the fantastic four of Merse, Gould, Corbett and Redfern keeping things tight at the other end.

FC were rewarded for their strong opening to the second period when a smart ‘pass’ by Corbett allowed Hollins to finish into an empty net at the second attempt. Utility dismissed any ideas that his pass was in fact a wayward shot as he ambled back towards his starting block... 1-1.

Buxton were now in control of the game, as the reorganisation of the Stockport lineup - which saw one half of County’s answer to Jedward swap flanks with the industrious no.15 – appeared to be working against them. Caley was repeatedly getting the better of his marker, and frustrations began to boil over as Caley was tackled late on the edge of the area. Corbett had to restrain Gould as he attempted to take another free kick - his previous three attempts had sailed safely into touch.

Caley was rewarded for his impressive second-half performance with the Buxton winner 18 minutes from time, a smart finish from close range. As the ball hit the back of the net, no-one was more shocked than young Dominic himself, who had forgotten what scoring was like... 2-1.

The last 15 minutes were not without danger for FC as Gould’s first missed header of the game left the Stockport forward clear through on goal. Despite the presence of the onrushing Redburn, the ball was exquisitely lifted over the Buxton stopper, and looked for all the world as it would nestle in the back of the net. Fortunately for the FC Bucks, the ball rebounded off the crossbar and was cleared to safety.

There was a further scare moments later when a cross from the right fell at the feet of Stockport’s Peter Kay lookalike striker. Only a courageous block from the Gaffer kept County at bay this time.

As the pitch began to show the effects of the wintry conditions, FC held on for an important and impressive victory, made even more satisfying given the lack of fresh legs. Turner blew his whistle after 17 minutes injury time and the relief was there for all to see. The boys in blue marched on towards The Silverlands, with the tough prospect of Preston away to come next week...

FT 2-1.