An early goal from each side saw Buxton and Spennymoor play out a hard-fought 1-1 draw in County Durham.
Buxton’s preparations were disrupted just before kickoff as Finn Delap withdrew due to illness. Tommy Elliott stepped into the starting XI, forcing a tactical reshuffle to accommodate the change.
Spennymoor started on the front foot, sending a dangerous low cross through the box, but no one was on hand to finish.
Their persistence paid off in the 14th minute when Olly Dyson’s deep corner found Aiden Rutledge, whose header deflected off Kieran Burton and into his own net.
Buxton quickly hit back five minutes later. Liam Ravenhill surged down the right, delivering a looping cross over Brad James to Luke Brennan, who tapped in from close range to score his first goal for the club.
The match tightened after the equaliser, with clear chances at a premium.
Rob Ramshaw came closest for Spennymoor in the first half, his 20-yard effort whistling just wide, while Ben Sault’s dangerous cross for Buxton was well-defended.
Early in the second half, Buxton keeper True Grant made two crucial saves, tipping away a dangerous cross and clawing Rutledge’s header off the line in one sequence.
Both teams then tried their luck from range. Isaac Fletcher’s effort was blocked by Burton, while Brennan’s curling shot was comfortably collected by James.
Substitute Tom Allan tested Grant again, but the Buxton stopper dealt with the effort well.
The visitors pushed for a late winner, with Elliott bursting down the left and setting up Josh Popoola, but his shot sailed over as the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
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