Burton Albion 3-1 Derby County: Brewers Hand Rams A Massive Blow
Derby travelled away to Burton Albion with the pressure of the playoff race while a defeat for Burton Albion would have almost certainly meant League One football for the Brewers next season.
The game started terribly for the Rams as Burton took the lead after just 24 minutes, however, their lead lasted less than 5 minutes as Derby hit back through David Nugent.
Then on the stroke of half-time, Burton took the lead again through Luke Murphy to heap more pressure on the Rams. With Derby pressing hard, Burton scored again and then former Derby keeper Steven Bywater saved a penalty to push the game beyond the reach of the Rams.
The result gives Burton a small chance of staying up and means that Derby’s game against Middlesborough next weekend takes an added significance.
Burton Player Ratings
Steven Bywater – 7.5
Had very little to do other than pick the ball out of the back of the net until right at the last moment when he saved a penalty from Matej Vydra.
John Brayford – 7
Another former Derby County player who played one of the best games of his season to help knock down his former club.
Kyle McFadzean – 6.5
Was never put under any real pressure and can be pleased with his work.
Jake Buxton – 6.5
The former Derby County defender was a rock at the heart of the Burton defence.
Ben Turner – 7.5
A constant threat down the right-hand side, Ben Turner performed very well for his side.
Jacob Davenport – 7
He sat in front of the defenders and kept the Derby strikers quiet.
Lucas Akins – 7.5
Scored on the rebound to put the game beyond the reach of Derby County.
Luke Murphy – 8
Scored the second goal to get the Brewers fans out of their seats on the stroke of half-time. Generally had an excellent game.
Hope Akpan – 6.5
The quieter of the midfielders, Akpan played well but didn’t have too much to show for it.
Joe Sbarra – 7
Provided an assist for the second goal and was a constant threat down the left-hand side. Was replaced in the 81st minute by Jamie Allen.
Liam Boyce – 7.5
Scored in the 24th minute to put Burton into an unexpected lead. He led the line well in the absence of Darren Bent.
Substitutes
Jamie Allen (for Sbarra) – 5.5
Came on to take the sting out of the game at 3-1.
Tomas Egert (for Davenport) – N/A
Came on in stoppage time. Had little time to make an impact.
Shaun Barker (for Boyce) – N/A
The former Derby player was brought on for the final few seconds to rub more salt in the Rams’ wounds.