Late goal seals Senior Cup quarter-final place

Just three of the Bucks side that started at Blyth were in the starting 11 on Tuesday evening as ex-Huddersfield Town centre-half Joe Wilkinson was given a debut and 22-year-old Nick Bainbridge a full debut at right-back.

Clay Cross took a shock lead on eight minutes, seconds after the Bucks should have scored.

Kegan Everington’s through ball fed Jamie Jackson but keeper Clayton blocked his effort and from the rapid counter Ant Lynam, the hosts’ player-manager and a former Buck, fired low across Jan Budtz into the net.

Right-winger Lytham’s pace caught the eye while Lynam’s 20-yard low drive troubled Budtz.

When Buxton responded Everington had a shot deflected wide and on the half-hour George Milner couldn’t convert when only faced with centre-half Sennett.

The interval introduction of an extra striker Bradley Grayson worked immediate wonders for the visitors as he used his pace to make openings from the right.

Everington hit a post as Buxton’s pressure became intense.

The 56th minute equaliser, with Jackson at the near post knocking in Grayson’s cross, therefore came as no surprise.

Clay Cross went down to 10 men when centre-half Needham fouled Grayon from behind to take a second yellow, ushering another sustained spell of Buxton pressure.

On 82 minutes, the keeper touched a Walker rocket shot onto the bar before the striker netted from close range.

Town made a late push to equalise and Budtz produced a good save from Lynam at the expense of a corner.

The Bucks’ advance to the quarter-final stage but all credit to Clay Cross Town not only for their spirited application on-field but also for their friendly welcome, generous hospitality and their award-winning pitch.

Buxton: Budtz, Bainbridge, Owen, Wilkinson, Williams (Green 71), Milner, Ravenhill (Grayson 45), Everington, Walker, Bembo-Leta (F), Jackson. Unused subs: Bembo-Leta (J), Burns, Abbott.