Pre-Season Action: Gamesley FC vs Buxworth Select XI

 I was down at the pitch this week for a pre-season friendly as Gamesley FC hosted a Buxworth FC Select XI. With Gamesley being a new addition to the Hope Valley League this season, there was plenty of curiosity around how they’d shape up — and they certainly made an impression.

Gamesley started strong, racing to an early 3-0 lead. A couple of defensive lapses from Buxworth helped them on their way, but that’s what pre-season is for — shaking off the rust, building fitness, and getting minutes in the legs.

After the break, Buxworth looked more composed. There were some bright individual performances in the second half, and they started to string some good passages of play together. However, Gamesley remained clinical and managed to add another three goals late on, sealing a comprehensive 6-0 win.

Despite the score line, both sides will take positives. For Buxworth, it was a chance to assess fitness levels and test some combinations, while Gamesley will be buoyed by a dominant performance as they prepare for life in a new league.