Mixed results for Buxton Hockey Club's men's teams before lockdown

Max Bartholomew hit a hat-trick as the hosts picked up their first win of the season.

Buxton’s defence started the game strongly with hard tackles from Marc Thompson, Jim Stewart and Jake Meaton and at the other end it was Buxton who broke the deadlock after 10 minutes with James Cross finding Bartholomew in the “D” for his first goal.

Stratford fought back trying to throw aerials into the “D” which did not amount to much. A great passing move saw Wilton gave a one two with Cross out wide, who fed it through to Bartholomew for his second goal.

As the second half started Buxton found themselves under pressure and in a moment of frustration Wilton earned himself a green card which left Buxton defending heavily while he served his suspension.

However, once back to 11 men, Buxton conceded making it 2-1 with 15 minutes to go.

Tireless work from Wilton and debutant Nick Price in the heart of midfield and some great saves from keeper Josh Smith made sure Buxton did not concede another.

Whibberly-Cross played in Bartholomew to calmly put the ball in the back of the net to seal the win.

But the club’s second team tasted defeat after a 3-1 loss at Sutton Coldfield.

Buxton started very well, having most of the possession in attacking areas but could not find the net.

They fell behind to a quick counter-attack before levelling soon after.

Sutton Coldfield were again able to counter well and take the lead on the stroke of half-time.

The second half was much the same with Buxton constantly attacking in hopes of getting a goal back. With their only shot of the half, Sutton Coldfield made their clinical performance in front of goal count as they snatched a third to finish the game off.

A youthful Buxton third team felt to defeat to unbeaten Newport 5-2 at home.

The opening few minutes were a tense affair as each team sought out a weakness in their opposition.

Buxton, with the skills of Paul Hancock and Wayne Orritt in the middle started to push on bringing a foul and a penalty flick awarded which Hancock dispatched.

Confidence was high as Norton in goal made several fine saves as Newport push for the equaliser and Buxton were able to extend their lead.

Jack Hobday and Dom Irving linking well before putting Orritt clean through to go up 2-0. However, despite Buxton playing the better hockey, ten minutes of total madness ensued with Norton giving away a penalty flick and receiving a yellow card. The flick was scored past the diving Pat Caferkey.

Newport, pushing hard in the absence of the Buxton ‘keeper, made it 2-2.

With the momentum firmly back in their favour Newport started to show the kind of hockey that has made them a force this season.

Despite their best-efforts Buxton couldn’t match the Newport team in the second half with Newport scoring three unanswered goals.

The fourth team were beaten 2-0 at Belper VII.

Early exchanges highlighted Belper’s incisive forward play which continually challenged Buxton’s defence.

Strong tackling from newcomer Josh Smith and Gavin Higgins-Brown helped to break down several threatening Belper attacks.

Whenever the home forwards did break through, goalkeeper Dan Taylor made well-timed saves. Midfielders Matt Powell, and Jon Posnett moved the ball well to Buxton’s forwards where Chris Hazelhurst’s shots were well saved by the home side’s goalie.

Dave Forshaw, still not at full pace after his recent operation, was unfortunate to see two good opportunities go wide. Just before half-time, a breakaway attack saw Belper gain a short corner which was converted.

The second half very much followed the first; good opportunities were created at both ends. Laurence Cusco and Mark Smith made several forays into the Belper D, but good defensive work snuffed out goal-scoring opportunities.

Belper’s second goal came from an attack down the right wing and a pass that was hammered home giving Taylor no chance.

A magnificent save from Taylor in the dying minutes kept the score line respectable but did highlight the home side’s superior passing and movement off the ball.

Submitted match reports