Match Report  |  Buxton vs Gresley FC

Gresley slipped out of the Integro Doodson League cup at the first hurdle but that wasn't the important thing of the night - that was the much improved performance from that which was witnessed at the Moat on Saturday.

The players looked determined and they all worked very hard against their higher placed opposition and also a very stiff wind blowing from goal to goal. Whoever mastered the conditions would have the better chance of winning the game and in the end it was Buxton scoring at the end of each half.

Gresley manager returned to a more familiar line-up with Matt Roome, John Guy and young keeper Calum Ferrie all returning. However, Guy pulled a muscle in the warm up and had to be replaced by Kallum Keane. Ryan King was given his first start of the season and Sam Wood stepped in for Jean Dakouri who's partner had given birth to their first child yesterday.

The visitors went agonisingly close having the perfect start when Martin Smyth chested down the ball before turning and unleashing a thunderous shot which clattered the underside of bar and bounced off the line and out leaving Bucks keeper Aaron Jameson a mere spectator.

At the other end Ferrie, making his first appearance since suffering a mouth injury at Matlock, reacted superbly to deny Liam hardy by pushing the ball away for a corner.

Jack Langston was trying to use the wind, which was at the visitors' backs for the first half, to his advantage by firing a shot from distance which flew over the bar. He tried it again minutes later but the end result was the same.

Gresley were almost caught out on 37 minutes when they were waiting for an offside decision that didn't come allowing an unchallenged run to the near post with the ball crossed to Hardy waiting at the far post but Ferrie did well to block the attempt.

Wood aggravated an ankle injury he had picked up on Saturday and was replaced by Richard Bailey just before the break.

The visitors were inches away from taking the lead seconds later. King made a good run down the right and sent in a low cross into the goal mouth which Jordan Ball was close to poking into the open net but the ball was just a fraction too far in front of the striker for him to be able to connect.

As the first half was about to draw to a halt Buxton took the lead. Glenn Belezika made a fine run down the right and his cross was met by Bradley Barraclough who powerfully headed home at the far post.

For the second half Gresley now had the wind blowing into their faces but they went close to levelling the score when King latched onto the ball but fired his shot wide.

With Buxton taking advantage of the conditions they were soon pressing Gresley back and went close to doubling their advantage when D'Jeny Bembo-Leta hit a shot from close in but it was straight at Ferrie who did well to keep hold of the ball.

Courtney Meade, who had replaced King, beat three defenders and sent over a cross to Langston at the far post but Jameson did well to block the shot with his legs. Meade then went close himself soon after driving into the area before striking a shot which was again blocked by the goalkeeper.

In time added on Derek Niven rattled the Gresley bar but the home side did get the ball in the net which made the score a little harsh for the Moatmen, but what a goal it was.

Substitute Jonathan Swain fired a tremendous shot, admittedly a little wind assisted, which rocketed into the top corner with Ferrie helpless.

Gresley now need to take this sort of performance into their league campaign starting Saturday at Loughborough.