Buxton secured a 3-2 victory in a dramatic Boxing Day clash against Alfreton, with all five goals coming in a frenetic first half.
The visitors started brightly, using Adam Lund’s long throws to pin the home side back in the early stages.
An early opportunity fell to Alfreton, as Billy Whitehouse whipped in a teasing cross from the touchline, only for Jake Day’s effort to clip the outside of the post.
A breakthrough arrived just 10 minutes in, with Lewis Salmon exploiting a gap in Buxton’s defence. Racing through, he calmly slotted past True Grant to hand Alfreton a 1-0 lead.
Just eight minutes later Connor Kirby delivered a pinpoint corner, and Kieran Burton rose highest to power a header into the net, bringing the score to 1-1.
The hosts created another chance soon after when Ben Sault and Josh Popoola combined well. However, Popoola’s tame shot was comfortably gathered by Alfreton keeper George Willis.
They took the lead for the first time in the 28th minute, as Luke Brennan embarked on a dazzling run down the wing, covering over half the pitch before delivering a perfect cross to Tommy Elliott. A cushioned header from Elliott found the back of the net, giving Buxton a 2-1 advantage.
Alfreton leveled the game in the 35th minute through a familiar face. Former Buxton defender Max Hunt climbed highest at the back post to nod in a deep cross, making it 2-2.
Drama continued just four minutes later when Buxton were awarded a penalty after Lund brought down a player off the ball in the box. Kirby stepped up confidently, but Willis guessed correctly, diving low to make a crucial save.
A decisive moment came just before halftime when Popoola threaded a clever pass to Sault, who flicked the ball over a defender before turning sharply and rifling a shot into the back of the net, sending Buxton into the break with a 3-2 lead.
The second half began at a slower pace but still provided plenty of chances. Alfreton pushed for an equalizer early on, with Nathan Newall sending a dangerous ball into the box that Grant expertly intercepted.
Sault, who was enjoying a standout performance, came close twice in quick succession. A quickly taken free kick from Ethan Fitzhugh set him up for a shot that flew just wide, and moments later, a driving run ended with a low effort straight at Willis.
Alfreton’s Hunt nearly doubled his tally, flicking on one of Lund’s trademark throws, but his effort narrowly missed the target.
Another flash of brilliance almost came from Brennan in the 75th minute when he almost recreated one of the goals he scored against Farsley a couple of weeks ago. Cutting inside from the wing, he curled a shot destined for the top corner, only for Willis to stretch and tip it over the bar.
Despite late pressure from the visitors, Buxton held firm to secure a narrow but deserved victory in an entertaining derby.
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