Halesowen Town 1 Buxton 3 - Report and pictures

Hardy took just 18 seconds to find the net when Halesowen's Exodus Geohaghon lost the ball allowing Joe McGee to cross for the unmarked Hardy to crack home from ten yards.

John McAtee was Halesowen's most dangerous player on his last scheduled loan game and his low 2nd minute shot was turned away for a corner.

McAtee then drove wide after 10 minutes in a spell of decent home pressure.

But the Bucks continued to look far more potent as Hardy went close on another couple of occasions mid-way through the first period.

The Yeltz defence was caught out again as Hardy doubled Buxton's lead in the 29th minute by calmly beating home goalkeeper Dan Platt with a delightful finish into the corner of the net.

Just a minute later Hardy completed his second hat-trick of the festive period when Kyle Morrison failed to clear and Hardy confidently struck home across goalkeeper Platt to make it 3-0.

The Yeltz pulled a goal back in the 36th minute when McAtee broke away and crossed for Enock Ekongo to hit a low shot underneath defender Matt Baker and goalkeeper Jan Budtz.

There was plenty of effort from the hosts in the second period, but the incisive quality was lacking and Buxton were in no mood to let their lead slip.

McGee was denied in a 54th minute goalmouth scramble and Hardy and McGee continued to cause problems as they combined after an hour.

For the Yeltz, McAtee curled a 20-yard free-kick over the bar in the 71st minute.

Sam Smith had two late Buxton chances, but the visitors were happy to soak up Halesowen's late possession and head home with all three points.

Teams

Halesowen Town: Platt; Ekongo, K. Morrison, McAtee, Geohaghon, Charlton (Steele 86), Lawton (c), Lewis (Poscha 57), Barnes-Homer (Agbor 62), Jones, Kelly. Sub Not Used: Parsons.

Buxton: Budtz; Baker, McWilliams, Hinsley, Miller, Maguire (c), Meade, Broadhead, Smith, Hardy (C. Morrison 72), McGee. Subs Not Used: Wilson, Williams, McDermott, Biggs.

Referee: Scott Postin Attendance: 424