HACKETT PROVES
WHITBY held the league leaders but it could have been so much better after the Seasiders missed a firsthalf penalty.
It was the Bucks, however, who came into the game four points clear at the top of the NPL Premier, threatening first as Ben Turner fired over the home crossbar after a free-kick dropped at his feet.
The last time the two sides met, earlier this season, a devastating second half performance saw Buxton beat Whitby 4-1.
There was never likely to be as many goals as that on the North Yorkshire Coast yesterday.
The dangerous Diego De Girolamo, who led the line to great effect that day, then turned over the top himself before the Blues were awarded a penalty.
Left-back Jake Hackett stepped up, but skied his effort from 12 yards and the scores stayed level as Whitby continued their ropey record from the spot.
But the hosts refused to let their heads dropped as they ended the first half on top.
On-loan Hartlepool United winger Josh MacDonald then found the league’s top goalscorer Jacob Hazel, whose header across goal was nodded over by the covering Turner.
Hazel’s strike partner, former Middlesbrough marksman Brad Fewster then fired into the hands of the Bucks goalkeeper Theo Richardson.
Soon after, the ball then fell nicely in the Buxton penalty area for Hazel who brought another smart stop from Richardson.
The second half started scrappily with a string of bookings with Whitby unhappy with what they felt were theatrics from the visitors.
Fewster slammed the ball over when well placed, midway through the second period.
The home side then introduced Malik Dijksteel, who had just renewed his loan from Championship side Middlesbrough hours earlier, in place of Fewster.
Nathan Fox dragged wide for the Derbyshire outfit, before Dan Cowan hooked over, a minute from the end.
Honours even and possibly a result neither side will be happy with.
Buxton see their lead at the top of Northern Premier reduced to just two points after their rivals South Shields won.
Sixth-placed Whitby are now just two points behind Warrington as they fight it out for a top-five spot.