FC left feeling Blue as Chester fans' rise from the flames...

Deva Chat FC 4 – 0 FC Buxton

Despite a battling performance, FC Buxton came unstuck at the weekend, with a winning two game run coming to an end as a depleted squad came up against a Chester City supporters’ side determined for victory after their recent weeks of turmoil.

FC were without several key men, with Hollins, Drennan, Caley, Betts and Chipp all unavailable. On the plus side, the match saw the return of Mossman and Grumpers, with the latter returning from his exile in Leeds to take his place at right back. Other unfamiliar faces who boarded the team bus were Buxton’s answer to Jedward, brothers Luke and Jack Gregory.

As the squad headed up the M56, rumours were rife that Tiff had embarked on a crazed power trip and would now take over team selection. Gaffer Stu confirmed that he had been the victim of death threats in recent weeks from the ginger haired lothario and had had no choice but to hand over the reins.

Tiff displayed his unusual management style by selecting the following side : Redburn. Grumps. Corbo. Gould. Merse. Hallman. Hill. Bolton. J Gregory. L Gregory. Moss. Sub for the FC Bucks was the unfortunate Jimmy JLS. No sooner had the team been read out when newly appointed striker Mossy suffered his first nose bleed of the day…

The match started slowly, and it was not until the 17^th minute that Bolton realised his whereabouts, following a heavy session on the ale the night before. Buxton were struggling to exert any real pressure on the Chester goal, such was the lack of presence up-front, and a succession of Merson throw-ins came to nothing as Buxton failed to make anything stick around the Deva Chat box.

FC were punished for their failure to impose themselves on the game in the 26^th minute, when an unmanned Chester midfielder let rip from 20 yards. The ball found space under the diving Redburn to put City in control. 0-1.

Buxton continued to show a lack of strength in key areas, and it was no surprise when they went two behind shortly before the interval. A close range effort brought a smart save from Redburn, before the follow up was bundled over the line by the Chester winger, who looked conspiciously offside at the time. The linesman failed to spot this however, with the referee mysteriously telling him to “just give throw-ins”… 0-2.

HT 0-2.

A half-time shuffle brought JLS into the fray, at the expense of the hapless Luke Gregory. Mossy returned to his home of centre-half, immediately throwing his compass and map aside. Stu partnered JLS in a new look attack, but refused to get involved as JLS showed him his signed buttock from his recent road-trip with the boys in Cardiff, as they lined-up for the kick off.

FC were starting to show more fight, and had a couple of forays forward to show for their efforts. However, each was met by the reflexes of the ever-impressive City goalkeeper (who, unlike John Terry, only plays at home).

In an attempt to inject some much need creativity into Buxton’s play, the pacy Corbett – living upto his Utility nickname – was brought back to the left of midfield, with the out-of-sorts Hallman pushing forward. This appeared to work as Corbett and Merson brought their off-field ‘chemistry’ onto the pitch, with a delightful selection of interchanges up the left lighting up an otherwise dull day for the FC Bucks.

Two quick goals put the match beyond Buxton’s reach, as sloppy defending - partly brought about by Buxton’s need to venture forward in search of a goal - let in the Chester attackers who took their chances well. 0-4.

As time ebbed away, the scoreline had clearly taken the life out of the match, and it was not until the last minutes that the drama returned, with the City goalie hauling down the improving Bolton for a penalty to FC. Moss subsequently did what he does best, and missed it.

Buxton left the pitch disappointed, knowing that with a more usual looking line-up and a bit more bite, they could have easily got something out of the match. The return fixture earlier in the season had ended in a comfortable victory for FC, which summed up the difficulties faced by the Buxton management in getting a decent side together for away matches… YOUR CLUB NEEDS YOU!!!

FT 0-4.

Ex-Gaffers MOTM: Dan Moss.