RARELY can Buxton's travelling faithful have returned so happy from a heavy defeat as was the case last Saturday.

This result, Eastwood's victory at Leek, which condemned Town to relegation, and Witton's surprise home defeat by Worksop Town meant the Bucks would face Albion at Northwich in Tuesday's first play off.

With both the Bucks and the Tynesiders already assured of places in the play offs, the visiting fans attention was soon focused as much on events elsewhere as at the International Stadium, which understandably was as tepid as any benefit match.

Buxton manager John Reed rested as many as seven of his injury-ravaged squad with Hartley, Black, Maxfield, Lennon and Ross omitted altogether while skipper Terry Bowker was successfully tried out after his absence on Tuesday and midfielder Anton Foster came on as a forward substitute.

Tadcaster Albion keeper Tom Ryder stepped up three classes to make a satisfactory debut with Mark Balfe making his first start and Jack Grindey playing a half in midfield.

The makeshift side, however, eventually proved no match for the full-strength, in-form Tynesiders who finished their attacking moves clinically.

But the Bucks defended resolutely and constantly played passing football through central midfielders, Henry and Towey, depite the threadbare surface.

The whole encounter was distinctly low-key and the full 92 minutes passed with few tackles worthy of the description.

Gatehead could have led as early as the third minute when a shot from Harwood shaved the post.

Buxton did not learn from their let off and 20 minutes later a similar opening saw the same player shoot across Ryder into the far side netting.

Buxton's openings were few, but Balfe exposed defensive mix ups without reward before goals either side of half time sealed the visitor's fate.

The second goal was a well-placed Brayson header as he met a short cross. The third was a comfortable conversion at the far post as Southern finished off a low cross.

The fourth just past the hour mark was a Brayson tap-in at the far post and the fifth brought a brace for Southern as he netted with a low drive.

Buxton's most convincing attack came when Foster and Lugsden worked a one-two to bring a fine save from Musselwhite.

Then Walker saw his goalbound shot blocked after he displayed some typically neat footwork.

Buxton: Ryder, Lees, Anderson, Agus, Turley, Towey (Grindey,45), Henry, Walker, Balfe (Bowker 64), Bradley, (Foster 63) Lugsden.