In their final away match of 2024, Buxton narrowly lost 1-0 to Warrington, with Joe Rodwell-Grant’s early second-half goal proving decisive.
The Bucks began the game assertively, dominating possession. Luke Brennan had the first opportunity, but his shot was blocked by a Warrington defender.
In the 14th minute, Josh Popoola’s curling effort seemed destined for the top right corner until goalkeeper Dan Atherton tipped it onto the bar.
Ten minutes later, Atherton received a yellow card for a rash challenge on Brennan outside the box with his defenders covering him which avoided further punishment.
Warrington responded with pressure of their own. Elliot Morris’s shot fell to Finn Cross-Adair, whose close-range attempt was brilliantly saved by True Grant.
Early in the second half, Cross-Adair won a penalty after his cross was judged to have been handled by Buxton debutant Dovydas Sasnuauskas. Although Grant saved Rodwell-Grant’s initial spot-kick, the striker converted the rebound to give Warrington a 1-0 lead in the 50th minute.
Mikey O’Neil later showcased impressive footwork, but his shot went wide.
Buxton felt aggrieved in the 70th minute when a cross appeared to strike a Warrington player’s arm in the box, but the referee dismissed their penalty appeals.
In stoppage time, Warrington had the ball in the net again after Grant denied Peter Clarke, and Rodwell-Grant finished the rebound, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Despite a determined late effort, Buxton couldn’t penetrate Warrington’s defense, leaving Rodwell-Grant’s goal as the match-winner.
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