**Buxton and Ashton both riding hot streaks into this cup showdown** — three wins in their last five each, so someone's perfect run ends Saturday. ⚽

Both sides have been scoring freely and mixing it with higher-level opponents. Buxton showed teeth away at Warrington but also got humbled 0-4 by Dagenham, while Ashton's been the more consistent attacker, putting five past Whitby and four past Runcorn. Head-to-head edge goes to **Buxton**, who took the bragging rights last time out.

Key storylines:

- **Ashton's attack vs Buxton's shape** — **B. Taylor**, **D. Osei**, and **G. Chmiel** have been prolific; Buxton's 4-2-3-1 will need discipline from **A. Bingham** and **A. Mee** in midfield
- **Cup football volatility** — Form goes out the window; whoever stays composed and converts chances wins
- **Buxton's home comfort** — They've won at home recently and have the H2H edge, a slight lean in their corner

Expected lineups:

- **Buxton FC**: H. Evans, S. Robinson, C. Kirby, W. Trueman, K. Burton, A. Bingham, A. Mee, J. Johnston, A. O'Reilly, D. Moses
- **Ashton United FC**: T. Taylor, D. Cogill, A. Byrne, C. Spooner, J. Lufudu, D. Turner, J. Hardy, J. Johnson, B. Taylor, D. Osei, G. Chmiel

Prediction:

**Buxton 2-1 Ashton United**. Home turf and prior form tip the scales slightly Buxton's way, but it'll be tight. 🎯