WITTON Albion took time to adjust to a new formation during a goalless first-half against Buxton on Tuesday.

Manager Carl Macauley unveiled a three-man defence, marshalled by captain Anthony Brown, for the visit of Martin McIntosh’s men.

The visitors settled quicker, and Joe McGee prompted Calvin Hare to save smartly to his left with a drive from outside of the penalty area.

However the home team put together the best move of the half, sweeping from one end to the other with touches from Prince Haywood, debutant Ben Hedley and James Foley.

The latter invited Anthony Gardner, on his 300th appearance in red and white, forward on the right.

His cross was nodded down by Rob Hopley for Foley, but Buxton custodian Jan Budtz blocked bravely.

Hopley was also denied later when he nudged a loose ball goalwards during a scramble, but the Bucks’ number one was again alert to divert the ball to safety.

Team news

ANTHONY Gardner makes his 300th appearance for Witton as they host Buxton in the Northern Premier League’s top-flight on Tuesday.

Manager Carl Macauley has made three changes to the side that started the weekend’s draw with Mickleover Sports, handing a debut to defender Nick Ryan.

James Foley starts too while Ben Hedley, signed on a month-long loan from Morecambe on Tuesday, plays from the first minute too.

Alex Newby, Paul Williams and Micah Evans sit out.

Visitors Buxton, beaten 2-1 at home by Lancaster in their opener, make two changes; Joe McGee replaces Tyler Williams, and Josh Meade is in for Jake Williams.

Front man Liam Hardy completes a three-match ban, while Brad Abbott has still not recovered from injury.

Witton | Hare (GK), Gardner, Devine, Michael Wilson, Brown, Ryan, Haywood, Foley, Hopley, Tames, Hedley Subs not used Newby, Jones, Williams, Hinchliffe, Neild (GK)

Buxton | Budtz (GK), Meade, McWilliams, Ravenhill, Maguire, Young, Taylor, Hinsley, Ant Wilson, McGee, Doran Subs not used Smith, Tyler Williams, Jake Williams, Jameson (GK)