UP NEXT:
Buxton return to the TSS on Friday 17th January, welcoming Marine for a 3pm kick-off.
The Bucks
Buxton lost late on to Oxford City last week despite a late equaliser.
A George Ward header in the 92nd minute looked to have earned Buxton a share of the points, but Oxford City struck moments later at the other end to secure all three.
Reflecting on the performance, manager John McGrath said:
“Really disappointed. If we had started the game with anywhere near the tempo we played the last three games, that would’ve been better off.
We started really slow, really sluggish. We didn’t move the ball quick enough and when teams sit in against you, you have to move the ball really. I thought we were slow from side to side and when they did go forward, we gave the ball away in really dangerous areas where they could counter us.
But having got back in the game at one-all, you should be able to see the remainder two or three minutes out. Even if we had drawn the game and picked up a point, I still would’ve said the performance just wasn’t good enough.”
Opposition facts
Marine are managed by Bobby Grant, who previously played for the club. He was appointed in May 2025, having previously managed Radcliffe.
Nicknamed The Mariners, they play their home matches at the Marine Travel Arena, which has a capacity of 2,300.
Between 1972 and 2005, Roy Howard managed an impressive 1,975 games for Marine.
Historically, their best FA Cup run saw them reach the third round on two occasions. In 1992/93, they lost 3-1 to Crewe Alexandra, while more recently in 2020/21 they were beaten 5-0 by Tottenham Hotspur.
Their highest ever league finish was 15th in the National League North, achieved in the 2024/25 season.
In the FA Trophy, Marine have reached the semi-finals twice, first in 1983 and again in the 1991/92 campaign.
The club finished 15th in the league last season, ending the campaign on 58 points.
Looking at recent form, Marine sit seventh across the last ten games, with Buxton in 17th.
Last time out, they picked up a penalty shootout win over Gloucester in the FA Trophy.
In the league, their most recent outing ended in a 2-1 defeat to Chorley towards the end of 2025.
Away from home, Marine sit ninth in the form guide.
Marine are 11th in the table after 23 games and have 34 points so far.
This week, they have signed Jed Abbey from Alfreton, while Dan Martin has also joined on a one month loan from Accrington Stanley.
One to Watch: Josh Wardle
Centre-back Wardle is the captain at Marine and joined the club in the 2024/25 season for his second spell.
Previously, he has spent time at Radcliffe, as well as Lancaster City, Skelmersdale, Kendal Town and Witton Albion.
He has made over 100 appearances for Marine.
Last time they faced
In the FA Cup earlier this season, it was a late 3-2 win for Buxton, with goals from Tai Sodje and Tate Campbell.
There was late drama in the reverse fixture, when Marine scored in the 98th minute to secure all the points in a 2-1 win.
Last season at the TSS, it was a 2-1 win for Marine, with a double from Brad Holmes.
