A second-half strike by Nantwich Town skipper Mark Jones earned all three points in their opening league game at Buxton, writes Richard Scott.
Jones’ goal in the 71st minutes was enough to give the Dabbers the win over 10-man Buxton, who had Greg Young sent off for a foul on debutant Steve Jones.
Nantwich could have taken an early lead after just 80 seconds.
Max Harrop broke through into the area and hit a lob over Buxton goalkeeper Aaron Jameson but it bounced clear off the bar.
At the other end, Dabbers keeper Terry Smith made a fine save to stop Young from opening the scoring for the hosts.
A Harrop corner on 13 minutes caused chaos in the area and it found Adam Jones at the back post, but the centre half’s effort went wide of the goal.
Moments later Steve Jones climbed above the Buxton defence, but couldn’t find a way past Jameson.
Just before half time it was a heart in the mouth moment for the Dabbers when Buxton forward Shaun Tuton went around an on-rushing Smith.
But defender Sam Wilson managed to help his keeper out by getting the ball away.
Alex Meaney went close with a shot from outside the area, which was the last action of the half.
After the break, Nantwich continued to press forward for a goal.
And during a spell of Dabbers pressure, the best chance of the game arrived when captain Jones played a cross into the Buxton area which found Adam Jones, but the centre back’s effort ran just inches wide of the goal.
The key moment of the game came on 58 minutes, when after a penalty appeal for the Bucks was waved away, the Dabbers broke clear through Steve Jones.
As he was heading towards the corner flag, Young him down and the referee produced the red card.
The free kick from Harrop fell to Mark Jones but his effort was deflected for a corner.
Soon after, Jones made amends when a Harrop corner was cleared to the Dabbers skipper who hit a crisp half volley from 25 yards out into the back of the net to the joy of the 60 or so away supporters.
The Dabbers had chances to add a second goal with Kyle Blake and Jordan Johnson both having excellent chances.
Johnson went through on goal and scored but was judged to have fouled the keeper and it was disallowed.
The Dabbers play their first home game of the league season on Tuesday night (August 19) against Skelmersdale United at the Weaver Stadium.
Nantwich Town: Smith, Wilson, White, M.Jones (Capt), A.Jones, Bailey, S.Jones, Blake, Mukendi and Meaney. Sub: Lycett (on for Wilson), Clayton, Johnson (on for Meaney), Callaghan and Bramall (on for Steve Jones)
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