McIntosh praises young defenders

Palmer had not featured in any of the opening three fixtures this season before he was thrust into action last Monday.

The 20-year old came on as a replacement for Tim Ryan midway through the first-half after the veteran suffered a hamstring tweak.

Palmer formed a solid partnership with Chesterfield loanee Broadhead as Buxton were reduced to nine-man and were forced to defend stoutly against wave after wave of Ilkeston attacks.

Despite the visitors scoring two late goals, McIntosh was full of praise for the young centre-backs.

He said: “I couldn’t have been prouder of my players against Ilkeston.

“The way we defended after going down to nine men was unbelievable.

“I thought young Ash and Jack at the back were immense.

“Tim just felt his hamstring a little bit so we had to throw Ash in but he was superb.”

“I’d like to think every supporter, considering we were down to nine men, left that game thoroughly happy because it was such a battling performance.”

Broadhead arrived at the club for an initial four-week spell, but McIntosh says the possibility of extending it will be reviewed closer to its expiry.

Today, Whitby Town visit the Silverlands with McIntosh pondering whether to maintain the Palmer-Broadhead partnership or recall the experienced Ryan.

Ahead of the clash,he added: “Whitby are a very good side with some experienced players so it will be a big test.”