Basford United 0-2 Buxton (Northern Premier League) 07.03.20

Buxton controlled the first half from beginning to end. A mix up in the Basford backline gave possession to Clarke out on the wide right. He then cut inside two Basford players into the box to the edge of the six-yard box. He then hit a ferocious effort which Kieran Preston got a hand to but was unable to keep out.

Around the half-hour mark, Basford had their only chance of the half as the ball broke kindly to Kane Richards just a few yards from goal. Yet his effort was somehow kept out by the feet of the on-rushing Grant Shenton to maintain Buxton’s lead.

Buxton raced down to the other end of the pitch on the counter-attack. Two great saves from Preston weren’t enough as the ball ricocheted off the post to the feet of the in-form DeGirolamo, who fired home into an open net to double Buxton’s lead.

The second half played out much more evenly with both sides creating great chances.

Basford had an effort blocked off the line through Nat Watson as they looked for a way back into the game. Dangerman, DeGirolamo, also had one blocked off the line as the game opened up.

The two goalkeepers used the second half to hold their own save of the season competition with both players making numerous high-quality saves to keep the score at 0-2.

Despite late pressure from Basford, they were unable to pull on back and Buxton were able to come away with a crucial victory.

The loss comes as Basford’s second 0-2 home defeat in less than a week, making Thursday’s fixture with Mickleover even more crucial.

Basford United: Preston, Roma (Bateman 60), Wilson, Thornhill (Keane 11), Carr, Galinski, Richards, Chettle, Worsfold (Goodson 74), Watson, Thomas.

Buxton: Shenton, Curley, Brown, Clarke, N. DeGirolamo, O’Grady, Chippendale (Chalmers 76), King, D. DeGirolamo (Orlando-Young 84), Elliott, Hardy (Bramhall 74).

Venue: Greenwich Avenue (351)

*Article provided by James Ridge (Basford United Correspondent).

*Main image @Basfordutdfc Callum Chettle in action against the Bucks.