Possession not enough for Bucks

The Non-League Football Paper

By Tony Tomlinson

CONTROVERSIAL refereeing was the talking point after this game was dominated by Buxton, but from which Southport took full points. The hosts enjoyed 76 per cent and 82 per cent possession in the two halves, but Southport defended valiantly as they held on after taking an early lead. Michael O’Neill was the scorer with a superb individual effort. He cut in from the left, was afforded too much space, and unleashed a 19-yard power drive into the far top corner. Buxton took time to settle after this early shock, but then made several half-chances. Alex Gibson-Hammond robbed Matt Thomson, George Horbury fed Connor Kirby, but his shot was blocked, yet a clearer opportunity was Jordan Burrow’s after he had robbed keeper Chris Renshaw. But from a narrow angle his shot hit the side netting. The second half opened with a penalty kick drama, as the visitors were granted one for a pull by Connor Brown. Even though Declan Evans shot wide, the hosts were aggrieved as Burrow had twice been man-handled at corners. And referee Jones mystified all when first Buxton’s Jake Hull and then, blatantly, Will Bapaga, were shown on film to have been fouled close to goal again without penalty kicks awarded. STAR MAN: Harry Flowers (Southport) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★