HAPPY HEED EDGE PAST BRAVE BUX

A BOLD Buxton fightback in the last quarter fell just short of forcing a replay with National League big guns Gateshead in a thoroughly entertaining Cup tie played in great spirit.

The Evo-Stik Northern Premier hosts made the more threatening opening in the first quarter with Luke Hinsley winning every header and Liam Hardy looking sharp.

And they gave a statement of intent with only three minutes gone when Hardy’s dangerous low pull-back from the byline evaded everyone to safety.

Gateshead were playing their first match under new manager Steve Watson and passed the ball well, forcing a number of early corners.

And it was they who struck first on 28 minutes when with Paddy McLoughlin’s shot fortuitously deflected past keeper Jan Budtz and into the net.

Buxton stuck to the task admirably but any hope of a comeback were severely hampered on the stroke of half time when Callum Williams was fouled in the area and Jordan Burrow coolly slotted home from the spot.

Buxton continued to go toeto-head with their higher-profile visitors after the break, thanks in part to the introduction of striker Ant Wilson, who was proving a real handful.

And Buxton got their reward midway through the second half when Hinsley was brought down in the box and Hardy scored from the spot.

Buxton substitute Sam Smith saw an effort fly over the bar but it was Gateshead who came closer to further troubling the scorers with Wes York’s shot deflecting against the bar and Budtz keeping out sub Fraser Kerr’s powerful low shot.