Mark Ward praises Buxton FC's mental strength after thumping Stafford Rangers

The Bucks, then struggling at the foot of the BetVictor NPL Premier Division, moved three points clear of the drop zone after thumping basement side Stafford Rangers at home on Saturday.

Goals from Callum Chippendale and Liam Hardy on their return to the starting line-up from injury along with a brace from Diego De Girolamo and a Connor O'Grady strike saw Buxton to a 5-1 win.

It's now six league games unbeaten for the Bucks.

"We set the mentality from the start that we knew Stafford were fighting for their lives," Ward told the Advertiser.

"If we matched that work-rate and desire then we believe we've got the quality in the changing room now to beat anyone in the league.

"The mentality was there from the warm-ups.

"We created early chances and kept that all the way through the game, working hard in every department and it was a good team performance.

"I couldn't really highlight anyone who performed better than anyone else.

"It was a really good team performance which made it all the more impressive and made the scoreline what it deserved to be."

And added: "If we keep doing things right then we'll get the performances.

"We're big believers in mentality and work-rate firstly and that's what we did against Stafford.

"They've not been beaten heavily - they've lost games, but by the odd goals here and there - they've not been well-beaten.

"We can take that as a positive because they're fighting for their lives and if you can match people who are doing that then you should be able to do it anytime."

Club captain Chippendale made his first start in the league since suffering a broken leg in September and his return was welcomed by Ward.

"It's like signing two new players [Chippendale and Hardy].

"We've not had Chippy fit since we came in because he was injured by the time we got there.

"He's worked his socks off to get fit and that mentality suits everything we're about.

"It's a lonely place sometimes when you're injured and you've got to do work on your own.

"Seeing his attitude, we had no problems putting him back in.

"He's turned up to every game and to every training session.

"He's club captain but that's the mentality we want.

"People might say it's only non-League but if you want to be successful then you have to give 100 per cent in everything you do.

"He's supported the lads and led by example.

"His leadership skills have been class. He's supported through thick and thin and that's given us a massive boost.

"We felt he was ready, he gave it his all, came through it safely, got a goal and we got the result," said Ward.

Buxton travel to second-placed Basford United this Saturday for the first of three consecutive away games, with Radcliffe and Warrington to come.

"We go to Basford in good spirits.

"I think we've got a squad there now which is capable of going anywhere in the league and picking a result up.

"We've set our philosophies down and the players have taken it on board.

"Although we're down there mathematically, the mentality of the club, we believe we can go to places and pick points up.

"We're in a good vein of form. We'll respect them as we do with everyone but we'll be going there trying to get three points.

"We won't sit back and we won't fear anyone but we'll respect them."

This week has seen Alex Byrne and loan signing Jordan Nicholson leave the club for Matlock Town and parent club Hereford respectively.