Alfreton stopped Buxton’s run of Derbyshire Senior Challenge Cup triumphs after holding their nerve in a tense penalty shootout.
After a goalless draw in normal time, The Reds claimed a 4-3 victory in the shootout to lift the trophy.
Both sides began the contest by trading half chances. Josh Popoola saw his early effort blocked by former Buck Max Hunt, while Owen German’s low free-kick under the wall was comfortably gathered by Paul Cooper.
Hunt became the first player to be booked after 14 minutes for a challenge in the middle of the pitch.
Buxton began to dominate possession as the half wore on, with skipper Connor Kirby sending a long range free-kick just over the bar.
The Bucks looked dangerous from set pieces, and Luke Brennan’s inswinging corner almost caught the goalkeeper out as it curled goalwards.
A slick attacking move saw Popoola show quick feet to pick out Kirby on the wing, and Ryan Viggars’ resulting strike was blocked as Buxton pushed for the opener.
From the back, Ethan Mann drove forward on a l run, beating several players before being brought down by German from behind.
Into first-half stoppage time, Brennan’s powerful strike was tipped over the bar, ensuring the sides went in level at the interval.
Following the restart, it was Alfreton who carved out the first opportunity of the second half as Lewis Salmon found space and squared for Gerry McDonagh, whose effort was deflected behind for a corner.
The Reds grew into the game through a string of set pieces, with George Cantrill’s attempt from one such delivery being blocked into Cooper’s arms.
Dwayne Wiley then rose highest to meet a corner, and although Cooper couldn’t claim it cleanly, the rebound from close range was fired over the bar.
On-loan midfielder Oliver Ewing tried his luck from distance late on for Buxton, but his effort was easily gathered by George Sykes-Kenworthy as the game edged toward a shootout.
With nothing to split the two sides over 90 minutes, the final was decided from the spot.
After both teams netted their first two penalties, Alfreton pulled ahead by converting their third. Buxton’s Martin saw his effort saved, handing the advantage to The Reds.
But Cooper responded with a crucial stop to deny Adam Lund, before Daniel Ogwuru slotted home to level things once more.
Hunt put Alfreton back in front, leaving Johnny Johnston needing to score to keep Buxton alive. But Sykes-Kenworthy guessed right and made his second save of the shootout to seal the win for Alfreton.
Teams come out at the SMH Group Stadium.
The victorious Reds lift the trophy
North Derbyshire Radio’s Senior Football Correspondent Elliot Steadman with the Full Time Report
