Roe's rampant Buxton Ladies go goal crazy in march towards title

Buxton, the runaway leaders, made it 20 wins out of 20 this season by racing to a 14-1 victory over Belper 5th, who are anchored at the foot of the table with just one point from 19 fixtures.

Amazingly, the rout took their goals’ tally for the campaign to 123, and their goal-difference to plus-118 as they stride towards the title and promotion.

Both sides were strong and determined in the opening exchanges, but it wasn’t long before Buxton were turning the screw, showing terrific link-up play. Any advances from Belper were stopped in their tracks by the backline of Karen Ainscow, Sharon Sessions and Sam Armitage.

The opening goal was scored by captain Nic Roe and only moments later, she converted another before slick play down the wings led to a cheeky steal, and a third strike, from Nel Dexter Lowe.

Now in full swing, Buxton went searching for more goals and increased their lead to eight by the interval. Dexter-Lowe added another after a skilful pull-back from the penalty spot by Chell Dexter-Lowe, and then Naomi Sessions also found the net twice.

A brief lapse in concentration gave Belper a glimmer of hope but then Ainscow trespassed into the D to add to the goals tally before Roe, who had an earlier effort disallowed, completed a first-half hat-trick.

Refreshed and motivated after the half-time break, Buxton continued their energetic performance, with player-of-the-match Armitage launching many attacks down the right wing and Lizzie Potts showing lots of quick thinking. Maddie Wojtowicz christened her new stick with a top-of-the-net flier and Jacqui Wall also got on the scoresheet.

Belper refused to lose their spirit and determination and continued to hound the home side for the ball. They even pulled a goal back with about ten minutes to go. But there was little doubt that Buxton were far superior and they continued to add goals after substitute Helen Szostakowicz had been sent into the fray to enjoy the fun.