DERBYSHIRE SENIOR CHALLENGE CUP REPORT: BUXTON BOOK PLACE IN THE FINAL WITH VICTORY OVER DERBY’S UNDER 21’S

Buxton booked their place in a third consecutive Derbyshire Senior Challenge Cup final with a 3-1 victory over Derby County’s Under-21s.

The home side started brightly, with captain Connor Kirby getting an early chance just five minutes in. The ball fell kindly to him inside the box, but his shot was well saved by Josh Shattell.

It didn’t take long for the Bucks to find the breakthrough. Four minutes later, Luke Brennan delivered a deep free-kick into the area, where Bobby Faulkner rose highest to head home his first goal for the club and put Buxton 1-0 up.

Opportunities were few and far between as the game settled, though Faulkner came close to doubling his tally. Another free-kick delivery found the defender, but this time he was unable to direct his header on target.

Just before half-time, Brennan combined well with Tommy Elliott in a slick passing move. Brennan’s shot looked destined for the far corner, only for Shattell to produce another fine save to deny him.

After the break, Buxton had an early chance to extend their lead. Ethan Fitzhugh was teed up on the edge of the box but dragged his effort wide of the post.

Oliver Ewing then won possession and drove forward before slipping a pass through to Elliott, who looked to be in on goal. However, the assistant referee’s flag was raised for offside.

It was Derby who got an equaliser in the 70th minute as Israel Green’s header found the back of the net. Paul Cooper got a glove to it, but he couldn’t keep it out as The Rams made it 1-1.

Buxton responded well and reclaimed their lead nine minutes later. Brennan was the provider once again, sending another inviting free-kick into the box, where Faulkner arrived at the back post to nod in his second of the night.

Victory was sealed late on when Brennan completed his hat-trick of assists, this time setting up Ewing, whose strike found the bottom-left corner to make it 3-1.

Alfreton Town now await in the final, setting up an all-National League North showdown for the trophy.