Buxton move into the play-off places with win at Curzon

The Bucks have taken 25 points from the last 30 available and a goal difference of plus 19 means that any sort of win next Saturday at home to already-relegated Leamington will guarantee a coveted top-seven position, whatever the results elsewhere.

With the benefit of the wind behind them and a fine grass 'carpet' to play on, the unchanged 'Bucks' soon settled to their passing game to threaten the home goal.

Captain Connor Kirby fired in a fierce cross but Max Bardell's firm header was off target, yet two minutes later, with just 11 gone, the skipper, on his 200th BFC appearance, himself found the net in spectacular style. Twenty yards out and in space he speared a drive high into the far side of the net.

The visitors pressed forward incisively and twice in three minutes Johnny Johnston had good chances to score but couldn't oblige. Five minutes after the goal he did well to go clear on the right but from 12 yards he sent his low, diagonal drive beyond the far post, then he mis-connected with a difficult chance in front of goal after first the captain then Kieran Burton had impressed with excellent passes as the penetrative move was built.

Yet it took three vital, first-half Joe Young saves with his legs to retain his clean sheet. Tony Weston was 'Nash's sole goal threat and at 0-0 his pace gave him a shooting chance but the 'keeper thwarted him.

The action was repeated just short of the half-hour after an Alex Curran pass had set up Weston and how important that save proved to be as in the 35th minute 'the Bucks' doubled their advantage with another brilliant goal.

The previously quiet Leeds Utd loanee, Connor Douglas, delivered a powerful dipping cross from the right for Burton to convert with a splendid diving header, as again ex-Buxton 'keeper, Josh Ollerenshaw, was given no chance.

As half-time approached the visitors had to produce some good-quality defending as well as a third Young save with his legs to reach the interval with a two-goal lead.

By the hour-mark the dangerous Weston had twice shot not far wide for 'Nash' as the match continued to entertain the fourth-biggest home crowd of the season, nearly half of which was the noisily supportive Buxton contingent.

Trueman's shot was deflected for a corner, a fine Luke Brennan cross evaded all, then a sweet passing move on the left ended with Ollerenshaw's instinctive save under the bar to deny Johnston.

Buxton's play at both ends continued to impress and two near-identical strikes, on 61 and 83 minutes, provided the 4-0 outcome.

Firstly, Cian Coleman ran along and close to the 18-yard line before, having made a tiny window of space, shooting home firmly just inside a post.

Then Johnston netted in virtually the same place and from similar range after an initial effort had been blocked as the Bucks eased to the three points.