JAKE Buxton continued to build his match fitness with an hour for a Derby County XI in a 2-0 victory over Solihull Moors at Damson Park last night.

The central defender is working his way back after an operation on his groin and he is hoping to make the squad for the opening Championship fixture against Leeds United at Elland Road a week today.

Luke Varney and Conor Doyle scored Derby's goals against Solihull, who play in the Blue Square North and are captained by defender Theo Streete, who was a trainee with the Rams.

Derby gave another run out to triallist Jordan Bowen, an 18-year-old midfielder who has been released by Blackburn Rovers. He played at Burton on Wednesday.

The first attack of note from either side came after 22 minutes, when a clever pass by Bowen released David Martin but Varney failed to get enough on the low cross and the ball flashed wide.

A shot from Medi Abalimba rolled narrowly wide before Derby took the lead in the final minute of an uneventful first half.

Left-back Dean Moxey surged into the area and his centre was turned in by Varney from close range, the striker's third goal in as many days, following his double in the Bass Charity Vase final against Burton.

Solihull's one effort on target in the opening 45 minutes was a free kick by Ryan Beswick, easily held by Saul Deeney.

Derby doubled their lead five minutes after the break when Varney set up Doyle and the American, who Derby are keen to sign, scored at the back post.

Beswick was denied by Luke Garton's clearance off the line as Solihull looked to pull a goal back and substitute goalkeeper Ross Atkins made a fine save to keep out Ross Dempster's header as the home side plugged away.