Buxton preparing for away double
The Bucks' quest to climb the Northern Premier League table will see them travel to fourth-bottom Bamber Bridge on Saturday before Tuesday's trip to leaders Warrington Town.
Hayward's side currently sit fifth in the standings following a blank weekend and Tuesday evening's 2-2 draw with Mickleover Sports at the Tarmac Silverlands Stadium.
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In a game of fine margins, the manager felt things didn’t quite go his side’s way, but he is confident that points can be turned into victories.
"We should have won the game, these things happen in football," the manager said.
"We don't have to be downhearted, I said that to the lads in there.
"We played really well again. At times the ball didn't drop for us but I can't fault the effort the lads put in."
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Diego De Girolamo netted both of the Bucks' goals from the penalty spot to cancel out efforts from Phil Watt and Declan Bacon.
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Attention now turns to the weekend's trip to Bamber Bridge (KO 3pm), who have only picked up one point since the opening day of the season's 1-0 victory over Matlock Town.
A goalless draw against Ashton United followed, before four straight defeats to South Shields, Radcliffe Borough, Basford United and Atherton Collieries.
Tuesday’s trip to Cantilever Park to face Warrington (KO 7.45pm) could be a crucial contest for Buxton who, themselves, have ambitions of winning the title and will want to close that five-point gap.
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The Wire currently sit three points ahead of Matlock and Basford, although the Gladiators do have a game in hand.
Warrington – who travel to 14th-place Lancaster City on Saturday – are unbeaten at home, having earned victories against Gainsborough Trinity, Atherton Collieries, Whitby Town and Radcliffe Borough before Tuesday evening’s 2-2 draw with Nantwich Town.
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On the road they won at Basford but were beaten by Mickleover Sports.
Buxton have been drawn away at Kendal Town in the FA Trophy’s third qualifying round round. The game will take place on October 31.