Report: Colls 1-1 Buxton

Buxton thought they had finally exorcised the ghost of an infamous FA Cup defeat a quarter of a century previously but a spot-kick in the sixth minute of additional gave the home team an unexpected lifeline and vital point. A match up of the 19th and 20th in the table saw the Derbyshire outfit, in their first visit to Alder Street since the cup tie, dominate first half possession. However they didn't turn their superiority into goals. They should have opened the scoring on twenty three minutes but somehow the Colls defence managed to scramble to ball clear after an almighty melee in their penalty box. Minutes later The Bucks did take the lead after another close range scramble. Nico De Girolamo bravely headed past Greg Hartley after the keeper had initially saved well. Josh Thompson thought he had equalised but his towering header was acrebaically cleared off the line while Clive Smith's cross cum shot almost caught out Greg Shenton who was relieved when he saw the ball land on the top of the bar and trickle to safety. Colls had to improve after the break and certainly did but still lacked cutting edge. They had plenty of the football out wide but they were easily dealt with by a resolute Buxton rearguard.  Hartley was forced to  a couple of imperious full length saves to keep his side hopeful but in all honesty Paul Phillips's outfit seemed content to play on the break. In the 90th minute Colls conceded a free kick on the edge of their penalty area but the resultant dead ball effort went tamely over the bar. As a few of the black n white faithful made their exits bemoaning a frustrating day there was a final twist in the tale. Rampaging left back Gareth Peet was dragged down in the box for a nailed on penalty. Tom Bentham showed no nerves at all to plunder his tenth of the campaign. It was a fitting end to an interesting couple of days for the butcher/social media sensation/striker. The under the weather display by the boys in black n white matched the condition of the gaffer Michael Clegg who was forced to miss the action. Credit to the excellent defending of the visitors whose organisation made the Colls attackers look devoid of ideas on occasions. Upon reflection Buxton will definitely see it as a couple of points dropped. Hartley between the Colls sticks was in great form and deservedly picked up the MOM award. Atherton Collieries: Greg Hartley, Clive Smith, Gareth Peet, John Welsh, Danny Lafferty (©), Josh Thompson (Niall Battersby 81'), Ben Hardcastle, Michael Brewster, Tom Bentham, Vinny Bailey (Jordan Cover 76'), Dave Sherlock (Danny O’Brien 56'). Substitutes (not used): Ben Conway, Danny Lambert Goal(s): Tom Bentham (penalty 90') Rama Spice Man of the Match: Greg Hartley Attendance: 332 Photo: David Featherstone