Late Grayson strike earns Bucks a deserved point

Bradley Grayson's superbly-executed 81st-minute strike earned the Bucks a deserved point on Saturday.
Buxton FC v Barwell (green), Bradley GraysonBuxton FC v Barwell (green), Bradley Grayson
Buxton FC v Barwell (green), Bradley Grayson

Martin McIntosh’s men travelled further south than for any previous league fixture in the club’s long history to take on Corby.

Making a sound debut was Alfreton Town loanee Evan Garnett in a 4-4-2 line-up versus a Corby outfit newly relegated from National League North and still looking for its first win of the season.

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The hosts’ side included ex-Silverlands centre-back Brad Gascoigne.

Remarkably the two sides had conceded a combined total of just six goals in their 13 league games so a goal fest was not expected.

Packing the midfield Corby made the early running, looking to the pace of right-winger Orenuga and though well policed by Jamie Green, his pass set up striker Crawford for a firm, low shot that was diverted to safety by Jan Budtz.

An Corby goal was chalked off for an offside flag before Nial Doran’s 20-yard drive cleared the bar.

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A Budtz long punt then caused chaos in the Steelmen’s penalty area and the ball fell to Garnett whose low went wide.

Corby took the lead through a low strike from Crawford, doubling their goal tally for the season to date

Within two minutes of the restart Buxton thought they had forced an equaliser, but were thwarted by Grant’s double save as he first stopped Grayson’s close-range shot then, while grounded, touched away Abbott’s follow-up effort.

From an inswinging, long-range free-kick, Gascoigne’s free header missed the target as exchanges continued to be evenly contested.

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Alastair Taylor was prominent as the Bucks stepped up the pressure and he created the equaliser with a long, accurate pass up the right, Grayson controlling before prodding the ball past Grant from seven yards.

Buxton finished strongly but it took another fine save from Budtz to ensure the point as Corby broke out of defence to create a close-range scoring opportunity, denied by the keeper’s expert block.

The Bucks face Ilkeston on Saturday at the New Manor Ground, after Tuesday’s visit to a high flying Ashton United side.