On the return of grassroots football, Buxton earned a narrow but deserved victory against Friesland on a lovely sunny day in Sandiacre.

Shortly before half time, the Friesland no.10 skilled away from the defender but his effort just evaded the post.

I asked Josh, a Buxton player, a few questions during the half time interval:

How does it feel to be outside and playing football again after a long time stuck inside?

“It’s nice to be able to be outside, nice weather and good to be playing football with the lads!”

Did you notice any difference between how you performed before and after the long break?

“Not really, I’ve trained throughout lockdown so have been able to keep on playing!”

Have you got any aims between now and the end of the season?

“Get on the ball and score some more goals for the team?”

Back to the action, Buxton were awarded a spot-kick moments into the second half, a clumsy foul from a Friesland defender led to Josh tucking the penalty into the bottom corner.

After some good work down the right hand side, Josh unluckily blazed over the bar from close range.

Following an in-swinging Buxton corner from the right, a Friesland defender went in for a brave header following a high Buxton foot, but luckily was able to carry on.

Buxton had three great chances in three minutes to double their lead, firstly the no.6 headed unmarked over the bar from close range, secondly the no.7 lofted the ball too high over the crossbar, and thirdly the no.4 hit the woodwork with a long range effort.

The last action of the game saw the Buxton no.12 whip in a great free kick, the knock down fell to the no.7, who sliced his effort high over the target.

Written by Joel Kilford