Young Bucks ready for season opener

After two successive promotions since their reformation, it will be the young Bucks’ first competitive game in the North Midlands First Division - the top flight of under-19 football.

Last season saw them finish runners-up in Divison Two, which was enough to ensure they were promoted along with winners Basford United.

This year the Bucks will compete in a revamped league which comprises of just eight sides as opposed to ten from 2012/13.

Buxton will be up against Basford as well as Worksop Town, Hallam FC, Retford United, Staveley MW, Handsworth and current champions Sheffield FC.

Manager Dave Bradbury says he has been delighted with the squad’s pre-season preparations.

He said: “Once again I have a fantastic group of young talented players who have worked tremendously hard in pre-season.

“The whole schedule was to make sure we’re ready for what I’m sure will be a very demanding season First Division.

“I’d like to express thanks to the club’s main sponsor Markovitz.

“Because of them we were able to take our squad away for a long weekend to Lancaster which gave everyone the ideal opportunity to bond and get to know each other.

“As with Charlie Johnson last season, it’s encouraging that senior manager Martin McIntosh has already cast his eye over this year’s group.

“John Stanway, John Ollerenshaw and Liam Wilson, have already been involved with the first team so it bodes well.”