Buxton Mens 4s v Belper 6s

13 October 2018

Result: 2 – 2

Player of the match: Dominic Cusco

Buxton were at home for this first home match of the 18/19 season. With clement weather conditions, this had the makings to be a match to set the tone for the season and did not disappoint.

Both sides had a fierce start to the game with each team trying hard to get the upper hand on the game, with the bucks having much of the possession after an initial strong start from Belper, with guts and determination Buxton were rewarded with a goal via Dave Edwards after 10 minutes of match time, being assisted by young Charlie Edwards, Adam Munden, Noah Cahill and Dave Forshaw pushing up the attacks from the front. Buxton tried but took little advantage of the finishing skills needed to secure those elusive goals into the back of the net despite repeated follies into the opponent’s goal area.

Dave Edwards lunge forward in the goal mouth of the opposition when chasing that second goal was one of entertaining note, being observed from the side lines. Managing the team in his best Ron Atkinson impression was the might of Andrew Uprichard, who was off the field due to injury, but steered the team in his immutable fashion to encourage and control the efforts of the team, however missing the ¾ sheepskin coat, which would have been a vision to behold.

These were supported by the talents of the centre and mid field players namely protégé Dominic Cusco’s debut for the 4ths was spectacular and who’s youthful exuberance shone through during the entire game. The talented Nick Rider helped with the game play and teamed up well with Paul Hancock’s skill and pace to make a formidable duo resulting in Hancocks unstoppable goal.

The talents and pace of Andrew Matthews was missing, which was evident in the game, due to being called up for international duty for the Welsh national team, and also having a cold.

Josh Smith was a force to be reckoned with as he covered several shots at goal with poise and finesse, supported by Mark Smith, Gavin Higgins-Brown, Alfie Dewberry and Dan Taylor who shored up the back of the field.

Buxton had less amounts of the possession for the next 35 minutes but securing 2 goals by the end of the match whilst Belper equalised with 1 minute 20 seconds left of the game.

A hard fought game where Buxton did not disappoint, and learned a few things to work on for the rest of the season.

Final Score : Buxton 2 ,Belper 2

Team : Josh Smith (GK), Mark Smith, Paul Hancock, Nick Rider, Dave Forshaw, Gavin Higgins-Brown, Laurence Cusco, Dave Edwards, Charlie Edwards, Noah Cahill, Alfie Dewberry, Dan Taylor, Adam Munden, Dominic Cusco

MOTM – Dominic Cusco
DOTD – Gavin Higgins-Brown