Report by North Derbyshire Radio Senior Football Correspondent Elliot Steadman
Buxton produced a dominant display as they hammered Oxford City 7-0 at the MGroup Stadium in the National League North.
The home side suffered an early setback just five minutes in when Freddy Willcox was forced off with an injury, with Jayden Putman coming on as his replacement.
After a quiet opening spell, Luke Brennan sparked Buxton into life in the 22nd minute, driving into the box before seeing his shot blocked behind for a corner.
Moments later, Paul Cooper picked him out with a long ball forward, but Brennan’s cross was turned behind by an Oxford City defender.
The Bucks’ pressure eventually paid off in the 37th minute when they were awarded a penalty for a handball by Josh Parker. Brennan stepped up and calmly slotted the spot-kick home to give Buxton a 1-0 lead.
Just seven minutes later, Buxton doubled their advantage. Connor Kirby picked up the ball 25 yards from goal and unleashed a powerful strike into the far corner.
As the first half moved into stoppage time, the visitors struck again. A well-worked move starting from the back ended with Johnny Johnston rifling a shot in at the near post to send Buxton into the break with a commanding 3-0 lead.
Buxton picked up where they left off after the restart, adding a fourth goal just four minutes into the second half. Johnston out wide found Brennan, and with a composed first touch, he guided the ball into the far corner for his second of the game.
Oxford City’s misery deepened in the 56th minute when captain Reece Fleet was shown a straight red card for a high challenge on Tommy Elliott.
Buxton took full advantage of the extra man and soon grabbed their fifth goal. Keziah Martin showcased quick footwork before firing a low shot into the bottom right corner securing a debut goal in style.
In the 71st minute, Oxford City’s sloppy play in the middle was punished as Johnston latched onto a loose pass, surged forward, and coolly slotted past the goalkeeper for 6-0.
The seventh and final goal came late on, with Johnston once again at the heart of the action. Driving forward with power, he beat his man before squaring the ball across to substitute Faisu Sangare, who tucked it away for his first goal for the club.
Buxton comfortably saw out the remaining minutes, with Oxford City unable to muster any response to their relentless attacking display.
