Buxton win Boxing Day derby against Alfreton

Tommy Elliott, scorer of the Bucks' second Boxing Day goal.

Buxton prevailed in a Boxing Day thriller with local rivals Alfreton as they secured a 3-2 win in front of their biggest home gate of the season to date.

The hosts recovered from an early deficit to lead by the interval, all five goals coming in the first-half.

Alfreton were soon on top. Midfielder Adam Lund was also soon employing his attacking long throw, while in the eighth minute striker Jake Day shot wide when stretching to meet a low cross.

Then in the tenth minute the visitors took the lead as Lewis Salmon netted from close range.

Ex-Silverlander Max Hunt's powerful header, thwarted by True Grant's parry, was close to doubling the advantage but instead, three minutes later, it was Buxton who equalised with Kieran Burton heading home a corner-kick at the far post in the 18th minute.

Just two minutes later, as goalmouth incidents continued thick and fast, the impressive Ben Sault's through pass all but played in Josh Popoola but 'keeper George Willis rushed forward to smother the ball.

However, in the 28th minute he was given no chance as the hosts scored again. The in-form Brennan made a left-flank foray of 50 yards at speed from half way, out-pacing Hunt to reach the byline, from where his pin-point cut-back gave Tom Elliott an unchallenged header at the near post.

But it was the visitors who scored next. In the 35th minute left-winger Billy Whitehouse beat Connor Kirby at the by-line to cross for Hunt at the far post to replicate Burton's scoring header.

Just two minutes later the Bucks were awarded a penalty for Lund's off-the-ball trip on Elliott but Willis superbly saved Kirby's well-struck, low drive close to a post.

However, home fears of a possible turning- point were dismissed by Sault's brilliant individual goal close to half-time. His neat and tricky footwork deceived three nearby defenders, enabling him to slot home from 12 yards.

The second half was goalless but barely less exciting as 'keepers Grant and Willis gave truly outstanding displays, Buxton in particular a threat as Sault, Brennan and De Girolamo all nearly adding a fourth but ultimately there were no further goals and a pulsating clash ended with Buxton the winners.