Report by North Derbyshire Radio’s Elliot Steadman
In harsh conditions at the Silverlands Buxton picked up a 1-0 victory over Darlington.
Buxton began brightly, applying early pressure with a series of crosses that forced the visitors to clear behind for corners.
From the second delivery, Max Bardell rose highest but couldn’t steer his header on target, the ball drifting just past the post.
Moments later, both teams struck the woodwork within four minutes. Will Trueman slipped a clever pass into Tai Sodje, whose low effort cannoned off the post, before Elliot Forbes struck the crossbar amid a frantic goalmouth scramble.
After Oliver Greaves saw an early penalty appeal dismissed for simulation, Buxton had another shout soon after when the ball appeared to hit a Darlington hand, but once again the referee waved play on.
In the 34th minute, the Bucks finally made the breakthrough as Sodje netted his tenth of the season. Greaves threaded a perfectly weighted pass through, and the forward slotted home via the inside of the post.
Darlington pushed for a response, with Cedric Main glancing a header narrowly wide of Paul Cooper’s upright after an inviting cross from the flank.
Early in the second half, Bardell won possession high up the pitch and slipped the ball to Connor Kirby, who surged forward before seeing his driven cross cleared away by Lees.
As the half wore on, both sides sought a decisive goal, making a series of tactical tweaks to swing momentum their way.
Buxton, however, were forced into one change when George Ward was replaced by Louis Stephenson following an injury to the defender.
Late on, substitute Ryan McLean nearly snatched it for the hosts, embarking on a marauding run after regaining possession, but his teasing cross was safely gathered by Pete Jameson.
