McIntosh reflects on mixed Easter weekend

The 3-0 reverse at high-flying Stourbridge was followed by a win by the same scoreline against local rivals Matlock Town on Monday, a result that leaves the Gladiators facing a relegation battle after six straight defeats.

And while the Bucks occupy a safe mid-table position, McIntosh is still keen to see good performances for the remainder of the campaign.

He said: “I felt at Stourbridge we were really in the game for a good hour or so but their first goal lifted them and then the second pretty much killed us off.

“It was disappointing as we had some good openings and two of the goals were poor from a defensive point of view, but I think it’s fair to say the best team won and they look to have a real chance of promotion.

“Against Matlock I was pleased with our reaction to Saturday as we were really at it from the off.

“The whole first-half saw us put in a good performance and we probably deserved more than the two goals we got before half-time.

“Matlock still looked dangerous on the break and did create some good chances - Myles Wright making a good save from Joel Purkiss when it was still 0-0, but then we controlled the second-half and deserved the three points.”

McIntosh was full of praise for new signing Nicky Walker, the winger announcing himself to supporters with two goals against Matlock.

He said: “He was terrific and showed why I’ve wanted him so much and persevered to get him.

“He was really enjoying himself and looked relaxed. He’s fitted in really quickly and the lads have taken to him well, so I’ve no doubt this is the right move for him and he will do well for us.”

Buxton signed two more players ahead of last Thursday’s transfer deadline, goalkeeper Tom Stewart and striker Marcus Day both coming on loan from Harrogate Town.

McIntosh added: “Tom is here as cover for Myles Wright and in turn Myles has signed dual-registration forms with Harrogate as part of the deal, should they ever need him. Tom may well feature against Marine on Thursday.

“Marcus is also here to bolster the numbers a little and I’m grateful to Harrogate boss Simon Weaver who has helped me out several times over the last few years.”

Marine head to the Silverlands tonight (Thursday) before Whitby Town follow them two days later, both sides having faced Buxton in recent weeks.

McIntosh said: “We played well up at Marine and deserved our 2-1 win, whilst against Whitby we were really unlucky with the way we lost the game to a poor penalty decision.

“But both sides will know plenty about us and are also still battling to escape the drop zone so we know we’ll be in for two really tough encounters once again.”