DARLINGTON, England (Interstat) — Two National League North sides seeking to halt recent slides will meet Tuesday when Darlington FC hosts Buxton FC at Blackwell Meadows.

The matchup comes after both clubs suffered disappointing home defeats this past Saturday, March 7, complicating their respective pushes in the table.

Darlington (15-9-8) fell 2-1 at Chester, a result that followed a 2-1 home loss to Macclesfield on Tuesday, March 3. Prior to that stumble, Darlington had shown strong form, including a 4-0 rout at Spennymoor Town on Feb. 21 and a 2-1 victory at Curzon Ashton on Feb. 24. Their home record, however, has been inconsistent lately.

Buxton (13-8-11) arrives after a 3-1 home defeat to Kidderminster Harriers, extending a concerning run. The Bucks have lost three of their last four league matches, conceding multiple goals in each defeat. This includes a 2-1 home loss to King’s Lynn Town on Feb. 24 and a 3-0 home defeat to AFC Fylde on Feb. 21. Their last victory was a 5-1 rout at Radcliffe on Jan. 24.

Historically, the teams have split their last four meetings, with each winning once at home and both draws occurring at Buxton’s Silverlands stadium.

A key tactical battle will unfold in midfield, where Darlington will look to control possession and exploit Buxton’s recent defensive fragility. Buxton, capable of explosive offense as seen in their 5-1 and 4-0 wins earlier in January, must rediscover that threat to ease pressure on their back line.

According to Interstat’s match projection, the teams are poised for a stalemate, with a simulated final score of 2-2.

Kickoff is set for 7:45 p.m. local time. With playoff positions still in reach for both, the match represents a critical opportunity to regain momentum. Darlington will lean on its home support, while Buxton aims to reverse its road woes and find a result to stop its skid.