IRELAND GAME ENDS IN A STALEMATE FOR BUXTON AGAINST BALLYMUN

Buxton were held to a goalless draw in Dublin as their pre-season clash with Ballymun United ended 0-0.

It was Ballymun who had the first shot on target of the game, with Adrian Mithteseu forcing Buxton’s trialist goalkeeper into a low save down to his right.

Shortly after, Buxton threatened down the right-hand side in the sixth minute, Sammy Robinson’s cross being punched away by the Ballymun goalkeeper.

Irishman Cian Coleman created an opening for the Bucks 15 minutes later, clipping the ball over the top to find Luke Brennan, whose volley flew just over the bar.

With five minutes of the half remaining, Trialist B saw his shot deflected over the bar, before Keziah Martin struck a powerful effort that couldn’t find the target.

The hosts almost took the lead early in the second half, with Meze Okirikpo’s strike blocked bravely by Robinson and the rebound saved well by Paul Cooper, who had come on at the break.

A number of changes followed, with neither side able to gain a foothold in the game.

Martin went close again in the 77th minute, firing over from a tight angle.

Just five minutes later, Dylan Kelly curled a shot wide for Ballymun as the game remained on a knife edge.

As full-time approached, Johnny Johnston had a golden opportunity to seal a late winner for the Bucks. After winning the ball high up the pitch, his shot was blocked, deflecting onto the bar and out of play.