In front of the division's biggest crowd of the season, the Bucks were short of three-quarters of a defence which has been their strongest department, but, organised by the outstanding Scott Maxfield, the replacements more than matched their hosts.

After a bright start, the Bucks conceded an 11th minute goal following a free-kick from the left. Denney's firm header struck the underside of the bar and the ball fell to Nathan Pond to score. The visitors, responding superbly, created as many as eight promising openings before equalising just prior to the interval.

A neat Henry through ball was close to playing in Foster, then Towey got the enterprising Henry to the by-line and was unlucky not to earn a corner before Lennon penetrated the left flank of Town's rearguard to set up Walker who narrowly missed the target with keeper Hurst helpless.

Buxton midfielders were pushing forward eagerly in support of lone striker Ross and again Foster was close to benefiting from a penetrative through ball, while Towey and Walker combined well to provide Ross with a difficult shooting chance, but his effort cleared the bar as did Henry's.

In the 43rd minute Lennon's corner was headed on by Ross and forced into goal at the far post by in-form Michael Towey, scoring for the fourth time in five games.

Stung into positive action, Fleetwood's leading scorer, Jamie Milligan hit the woodwork with a 30-yard snap shot.

A fine Maxfield tackle was needed to halt a surge by striker Bell, while Hartley managed to turn wide a wickedly swerving Milligan long shot. The keeper had even more difficulty with a Taylor shot which he could only parry forward but fellow substitute Foster fired hopelessly high.

On 70 minutes a piece of superb skill by Ross set up Walker, whose close-range effort forced a brilliant save by Hurst. Mark Balfe replaced the tiring Henry but Fleetwood applied consistent pressure and had two penalty appeals within a minute.

The first, for an alleged Wilson foul, seemed harshly denied but the second, when Lennon checked his challenge, was generously awarded and Milligan's spot-kick beat Hartley low to his left.

Team: Hartley, Wilson, Lees, Maxfield, Agus, Lennon, Towey, Foster, Henry (Balfe 68), Walker, Ross (Bradley 79). 3rd sub Turley.