Burton Need It More On the Night

Burton Albion needed the points to stave off relegation while Brakes are safe, and it showed with a sparky Albion creating far more chances than lacklustre Brakes. Morgan was outstanding in the Brakes goal but ended on the losing side with a highly suspect goal on the stroke of half-time and a breakaway in the 58th which gave him no chance. This was not one of Brakes' better performances but a win in their final game at Hinckley next Wednesday will confirm 6th place and a 2-goal margin will take their goal-difference out of the negative; neither achievement should be beyond them.

Morgan in the Brakes' goal pulled off two outstanding saves in the first 10 minutes, reaching high to his left in the 3rd minute and low to his right in the 8th. Albion looked the better team mostly restricting young Brakes to long shots though Anderson went close with one such and Kyriacou threatened twice in the 14th and 15th, the first after a superb Thompson through ball. Iain Groves also set up a chance in the 32nd but it was Albion who looked more dangerous on the break and Morgan made two more outstanding saves in the 41st and 45th, the first from point-blank range and the second from a well-struck, dipping free-kick which he palmed over the bar.

But with the defence, marshalled by Morgan, seemingly invincible a corner came across from the right in added time after the 45th which was gathered cleanly by Morgan only for a push in the back from a ruck of players which caused him to drop it from where the ball was poked home, 1-0. The referee later said that if there was a push it must have come from one of his own side!

But, it has to be said, Albion were worthy of their lead if not the nature of its execution and they went further ahead in the 58th when, yet again, a forward broke through a faltering defence to slot home for 2-0. The forward line had not really threatened but that changed when Howell came off the bench in the 63rd. Kyriacou went close in the 65th after good work by Howell and the industrious Lewis but Morgan had to make another excellent stop moments later to keep the Brakes in the game. In the 69th Brakes brought the first real save out of the Albion 'keeper after a snatch shot by Lewis was deflected by a defender.

Again Morgan stopped Albion increasing their lead, blocking a forward in a one on one in the 74th, and, minutes later, Brakes arguably should have had a penalty when the lively Howell jinxed into the area and appeared to be, blatantly, brought down. Brakes bombarded the Albion goal for the last 10 minutes but to no avail. This was not one of young Brakes' best performances: the defence were not assured as usual and made mistakes that were uncharacteristic. The forward line made some pretty moves but rarely threatened a resolute defence. Only three of this Burton side played at the NWG when Brakes won and this team looked sharper and stronger as, indeed, they needed to be to stave off fears of relegation.

Leamington Youth: Richard Morgan; James Taylor; Martin Groves; Iain Groves (Ryan Howell 63); Andy McKinley; Luke Moulding (Alex Shaw 63); Mark Anderson [Capt]; Phil Thompson; Nik Kyriacou; Josh Tolley (Chris Lewis 46); Ben Rowan
Sub(s) Not Used (3 From 5): Jamie Coleman