NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH PREVIEW: BUXTON MAKE THE LONG TRIP TO NEEDHAM MARKET

UP NEXT:

Buxton are on the road as they make the long journey to face Needham Market on 29th March 2025 with a 3pm kickoff.

The Bucks

The Bucks go into this game after last week’s 1-0 loss at home to Kings Lynn.

Greg Taylor scored the decisive goal with Connor Kirby being sent off for a second yellow card for Buxton.

Following the loss manager John McGrath said:

“We had clear-cut chances to continue our good run. This is a setback, but it’s not panic stages nothing like that,” said the home team manager.

“Not taking what was there cost us today, yet we played well for much of the time, even when down to 10 men.

“We’re only a couple of points outside the play-offs, and there are another 18 points at stake before the regular season’s end.

“Needham Market, next up away, are looking to pull clear from the relegation zone.

“At the same time, we’re seeking the points to take us back into play-off contention. It’s going to be a tough one for both teams.”

Opposition

They play their games at Bloomfields which was named after former player and chairman Derrick Bloomfield.

Their nickname is The Marketmen.

They were founded in 1919 officially however did have club records during the late 1890’s. And they first joined the Ipswich and District League.

Their manager is Tom Rothery who took charge following Kevin Horlock leaving the club in February.

They won the Southern League Premier Division last season with 85 points.

They have reached the FA Cup first round in the 2022-23 season.

In the 2021-22 season they reached the quarterfinals of the FA Trophy.

And in the FA Vase they reached the semi finals in the 2007-08 season.

Their biggest appearance holder is Rhys Barber and their record goalscorer is Sam Newson.

They currently sit 21st in the league on 36 points from 40 games.

In their most recent game they lost 4-1 to Kidderminster away.

One to watch

Ben Hunter signed for the club in the summer from AFC Sudbury where he won the Isthmian North playoffs.

After progressing through their academy he also had spells at Leiston and Stowmarket Town.

The midfielder played over 200 times for the club and became a real fan favourite during his time there.

Last Time Out

In their meeting earlier on this season Buxton were 7-1 winners with Cian Coleman scoring two, Tommy Elliott scoring a hattrick and both Connor Kirby and Diego De Girolamo scoring one each.