Report by North Derbyshire Radio’s Senior Football Correspondent Elliot Steadman
Carlton Ubaezuonu’s extra-time goal rescued a point for Scunthorpe after Ethan Mann had given Buxton the lead in the first half.
The game started at a frantic pace, with Scunthorpe winning a corner after just 10 seconds. Buxton responded immediately, as Luke Brennan’s cross was deflected behind, sparking a flurry of corners that tested the visitors’ defence.
Nine minutes in, Callum Roberts found space in the box, but debutant Paul Cooper reacted quickly to deny the forward. Scunthorpe continued to press, with Kian Scales’ ball from the left turned behind and Roberts’ cross punched away by Paul Cooper.
A powerful ball into the box from Connor Kirby almost led to an own goal, as Maxim Kouogun’s deflection rolled just wide of the post.
Cooper was then called into action again, punching clear Joe Rowley’s cross after Oliver Rose’s clever movement created space.
Buxton responded through Brennan, who won the ball back, cut inside, and curled an effort just over the bar in search of the top corner.
Scunthorpe came close in the 39th minute when the ball flashed across the face of goal and found Roberts, whose powerful strike rattled the post.
But it was Buxton who struck first, four minutes later, Brennan delivered a deep free-kick, and Mann finished the ball off for his first goal for the club, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead at the break.
The visitors had the first chance of the second half when Scales broke into the box, but his cross evaded everyone and rolled out of play. Scales was involved again shortly after, as Roberts drove down the right and picked him out in the middle, only for his shot to fly over the bar.
Rowley then won a free-kick on the edge of the box after being brought down, but Roberts’ effort sailed just over, landing on the roof of the net.
Substitute Faisu Sangare almost made an instant impact, firing a dangerous ball across goal that went just wide.
Scunthorpe kept pushing late on, with nine minutes of added time giving them plenty of opportunities to find an equaliser. They took full advantage two minutes into stoppage time, as Ubaezuonu scrambled the ball home from close range after his initial shot was saved.
The visitors nearly snatched all three points at the death, but Cooper came to Buxton’s rescue once again, denying Roberts as the game ended level.
