PRESEASON REPORT: BUXTON RETAIN MARKOVITZ CUP WITH WIN OVER MATLOCK

Buxton retained the Markovitz Cup with a 4-1 victory over Matlock Town.

Matlock were forced into an early change when Kiyani Clayton picked up an injury and was replaced by James Murray.

After a slow start, the game sprang into life when Buxton took the lead in the 20th minute. A cross from the lefthand side was pinballed around the box before falling kindly to Will Trueman, who converted to make it 1-0.

Just two minutes later, the Bucks doubled their advantage following a poor back pass from Harlan Mbayo. Luke Brennan latched onto it and calmly slotted the ball into the corner.

Searching for a third, Sammy Robinson went close with a header from Brennan’s corner, but the effort drifted narrowly wide.

Former Buxton player Liam Ravenhill had Matlock’s best chance of the half, but his long distance strike sailed over the bar.

Buxton’s final effort before the break fell to Callum Ebanks, who beat the goalkeeper after a through ball from Cian Coleman. However, from a tight angle, the striker was unable to find the target.

The Gladiators started the second half brightly and within a minute Sam Giles saw his diving header loop over the bar.

Diego De Girolamo had a golden opportunity to score against his former club after a dribble into the area but fired over under pressure. Moments later, he was through again, this time beating the Buxton goalkeeper, only for a trialist to clear his effort off the line.

That pressure eventually paid off in the 59th minute when Ben Sault pulled a goal back. Giles launched a long throw to the back post where Sault rose highest to head home.

However, Buxton quickly restored their two goal cushion with a well-worked freekick. Brennan delivered a pinpoint ball into the area from the left and George Ward was on hand to head into the net to make it 3-1.

Substitute Connor Washington had a chance to reduce the deficit again but his effort from inside the box drifted the wrong side of the post.

Johnny Johnston nearly added a fourth with two minutes to go, showing quick feet to weave into the box before dragging a low shot just wide.

He did however find the net shortly after. Bursting through with pace, Johnston kept his composure to slot home and seal a 4-1 win.