Alfreton Town ran out 3-0 winners over Buxton FC at the Impact in a bitterly cold Boxing Day face-off this weekend, thanks to goals from Dwayne Wiley, Jordan Thewlis and Matt Rhead.
The festive fixture was the first National League North game ever between the two Derbyshire sides, and both camps were up for the hotly contested affair.
Both sides turned out in their change strips, as the clubs looked to raise awareness for homeless charity Shelter's #NoHomeKit campaign.
Alfreton were looking to avenge their FA Cup loss to the Bucks away at Silverlands in September, but Craig Elliott’s Buxton side had the better of the early exchanges.
A long ball over the top found Sam Osborne in space, but his shot was well saved by George Willis.
In a first half which saw five yellow cards but not as many clear-cut chances, ‘Ofton captain Matt Rhead sent a header over the bar from point-blank range to keep the visiting Bucks on their toes.
The deadlock was eventually broken just before half time, as an Alfreton corner was spilled by Buxton ‘keeper Theo Richardson and Reds centre half Dwayne Wiley was on hand to poke home the opener.
Buxton had a handful of good chances as they looked to claw their way back into the game after the break.
Full back Max Conway dragged a shot just wide of the target after a marauding run down the left-hand side.
Bucks midfielder Connor Kirby then unleashed a ferocious shot from range, however Willis was equal to the effort.
Conway again found himself in space on the left after a good through ball from Diego De Girolamo, but he pulled this attempt wide also.
The Bucks failed to make these chances pay, and before they knew it, they were two behind.
A raking ball from Wiley found Jordan Thewlis in space with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Thewlis knocked the ball past the on-rushing Richardson, collected it on the other side and passed it into the empty net. A brilliantly taken goal on 62 minutes, and his first for the club.
Thewlis was then denied a second when a committed Buxton defender blocked his goal-bound effort from the edge of the box, after some good wing-play from Yusifu Ceesay.
Conor Branson then flashed a wicked shot just over the bar as the Reds looked to pile on the misery.
Alfreton completed the rout on 74 minutes when Matt Rhead rose highest to head home a deep Josh Clackstone free kick, securing the Reds’ first league win since October.
‘Ofton will be hoping for a repeat performance in their next game, which is the reverse fixture against Buxton at Silverlands Stadium on New Years Day.
The Star Man: Dwayne Wiley – The Alfreton central defender was imperious at the back, and as effective in attack, as he provided a goal and an assist to gift ‘Ofton fans a Boxing Day derby victory to remember.
Attendance: 701 (190 away)
To find out more about Shelter's #NoHomeKit campaign, see the link below.
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