McIntosh lauds his table topping Bucks, may bring in defender for Ilkeston game

The Bucks boss was over the moon with the way they came back from a goal down to beat Ashton 3-1 on Tuesday night.

Although they were behind at the interval, three goals in the final 20 minutes took the points back to the Silverlands.

McIntosh credited his goalkeeper Jan Budtz for not only holding his hands up for an error, but for playing such a big part in the side’s impressive defensive record this season.

“The lads were brilliant,” he said.

“We weren’t so brilliant in the first half, their goal came from a mistake.

“Jan should have done better, but he came in at half-time and said as much.

“It was unlike him, we’ve only conceded five goals in nine games and he’s been brilliant, he’s saved us so many times and he will win more games for us than cost us.

“We were 1-0 down at half-time but I think we shaded it, and then lifted the tempo after the break and by the end we finished very strong.

“It was really pleasing.”

Buxton have picked up 20 points from a possible 27 and lead the table by a point from Blyth.

It could have been even better, however.

The manager said: “There’s no doubt we deserved to beat Barwell and should never have lost against Colville.

“We have 20 points out of 27 but we could have had 27, I have to be honest, I really believe that.

“We’ve dominated most of the games and could have had the lot.”

McIntosh credits his players for the way they’ve set off in the 2016/17 campaign.

“You never know how you’re going to start,” he said.

“We’ve got a good group together.

“Everything is down to personnel.

“We give them advice and try to have them organised but it’s all about recruitment.

“If you bring in the right players, that’s the key.”

Two of the players coming in for special praise are Dan Burns and Brad Grayson.

Burns has just been sold to Gateshead, but will play for the Bucks on loan for the remainder of the season.

Grayson has come into the side this season and scored five goals already.

McIntosh said: “Dan Burns is just 19, we’ve got him in and sold him on and loaned him back already.

“We sold him to Gateshead but got him back on loan for the rest of the season, you can’t ask for more than that.

“He’s 6ft 5ins and I think the lad has got a good future ahead of him.

“Brad Grayson has been outstanding since he walked in the door.

“His workrate is phenomenal and with the way he holds the ball up he’s going to cause problems every game.”

Alongside Grayson in attack are Evan Garnett, on loan from Alfreton for a month, and the experienced Jamie Jackson.

McIntosh is happy with his attacking options.

“Jamie Jackson on his day is unplayable, if he can just get that bit of consistency,” he said.

“He hasn’t played a lot of football so he’s catching up on fitness but he lights it up as soon as he comes on.

“Evan Garnett is finding his way, he’ll be a threat going forward.”

Some reinforcements might be needed at the back however, after a midweek injury to Greg Young.

McIntosh revealed: “Greg took a knock last night, turned his ankle and will be out for a week or so.

“I might bring someone in to cover for Greg, before the weekend.

“We only had four subs in midweek and although Nicky Walker should be back, Greg is out so we’d be short again.”

Buxton travel to Ilkeston on Saturday before hosting Corby on Tuesday.

He expects a stern test at the New Manor Ground this weekend, despite facing a Robins side rooted to the bottom of the table after a delayed start to their season.

McIntosh said: “If you played them in their first match after the ban you could say they’d be lacking match sharpness, but they’ve had six or seven games now, they’ll be in their stride.

“I’m sure they will be in full flight, they’ve got a great surface there, good, quick young full-time players.

“They’re a conveyor belt a bit like us, players get sold every year.

“There will be some good young players on show and a lot of people watching with interest I’m sure.”