Buxton preview

As our manager Andy Fearn says, we are now 5 games unbeaten and we look to extend that against potential relegation colleagues, Buxton. Our draw at 7th pace Witton was well deserved, fighting back twice to level, against a side who the week before had taken all three points at table toppers South Shields. Witton scored two goals in the final minutes, much like Buxton who scored twice in the last couple of minutes to win at Grantham. The bottom of the league now looks very interesting as while we lie bottom, we are 8 points away from 4 sides on 25 points. Okay 3 of those 4 have games in hand on us, but a win over Buxton will close the gap and potentially suck 17th place Buxton back into the melting pot. It all adds to what could be an enthralling fixture.

On their travels Buxton have won 3, drawn 4 and lost 6. Interestingly 2 of the 3 wins were at relegation candidates Grantham and Matlock, so we need to be on our guard to maintain our run for the great escape. We still have to ply Buxton twice, Atherton twice along with Matlock and Ashton, all sides in that group we aim to catch, so it is anybody who could go down, and of course we hope it is not us in the final two places. The 20th placed side still could go down, but on current forecasts the NPL place should be save. However, those leagues like ours will go to the wire so it is 19th for guaranteed safety. We need the faith to ensure it is in our remit to gain that place.

Tuesday night I therefore very important to get another 500+ gate to cheer on the team. Since our return to the NPL we have lost this fixture 3 times, so it is essential we put an end to that sequence. See you Tuesday night.

Games played on February 4th this century
2006 Forest Green Rovers H 2-1 F A Trophy round 3
2017 Buxton H 1-2 Northern Premier League