PRESEASON REPORT: BUXTON DRAW WITH BURY IN FEISTY AFAIRS

Buxton returned from their preseason trip to Ireland with a draw against Bury.

New signing for The Bucks, Deniche Hill, put the ball through to Johnny Johnston early on, but the winger was unable to beat Mitch Allen, who was quick off his line to smother the chance.

Ex-Buxton player DJ Pedro then came close to creating the opening goal for Bury after 11 minutes, sliding in Gabriel Johnson, who fired a shot high and wide of the target.

Kieran Lloyd had an opportunity waiting at the back post, as the ball was swung in by Connor Pye, but Lloyd’s shot was well saved by Paul Cooper.

Bury continued to put pressure on, with Johnson this time picking the ball up from a trialist and forcing Cooper into another smart stop.

35 minutes in, Kieran Glynn gave the visitors the lead after Pedro knocked the ball over Kieran Burton with his head, allowing Glynn to calmly slot it into the bottom left corner.

A minute later, Pedro came close to adding to their lead, but Cooper produced a fine diving save to deny the forward.

Just before halftime, Buxton got themselves back level, working the ball neatly down the right-hand side through Johnston and Keziah Martin. Martin was able to find Tate Campbell, who tucked the ball home to make it 1-1 heading into the break.

The second half started with cagey affairs, featuring a number of late challenges. One such incident led to an off-the-ball scuffle and several players receiving bookings.

Buxton’s trialist goalkeeper was then called into action in the 59th minute, producing a fingertip save to push the ball behind for a corner.

Kai Evans was next to test the Buxton keeper with a curling free-kick, which was tipped over the bar.

After this he ran into the box with the ball and went down to ground, but the referee waved away the penalty appeals.

The last chance of the game fell to Bury, as a cross from the right-hand side found Tyler James, but he was unable to convert the opportunity.