BURTON Albion Academy Manager Dan Robinson took charge of the reserve team at Walsall this afternoon which ended 1-0 to the home side, a goal which came against the run of play.
The Brewers side was made up of academy players apart from three first team pros.Dan Robinson said: “The lads had a good go at it, we had three first team pros in the team, Harry Campbell played, Charlie Gatter played but went off at half time with an injury and Marcus Dining played 70 minutes for us despite playing 80 minutes yesterday.”
The goal came against the run of play as Walsall netted just after the 70 minute mark, and they managed to see out their lead for the remainder of the game.
“It was disappointing to concede in the end as we had most of the possession in the game and the better opportunities, but the boys stepped up and played reserve football for the first time for a few of them,” said Robinson.
Albion’s reserves had the majority of possession, and had some great chances especially when Marcus Dinanga rattled the inside of the post during the first half.
Dan Robinson said his side need to be that bit more ruthless in front of goal and apply the pressure until they get a goal in future games.
He said: “There is an element of staying on top when you’re on top in the game, and keeping the pressure on the opposition and being ruthless about it but their goalkeeper pulled off a great save and we had the ball in the back of the net but the referee pulled it back for a free kick to us.
“We had four great chances but when you don't put them away you leave yourself vulnerable to conceding a goal which we did.
“We just need to be a bit better in front of goal but the boys stepped up to the youth team, it was a good experience for them and a massive learning curve.
“We don’t have an U23s programme here so these youngsters have to be ready for reserve team football and first team football in some cases.”
Burton Albion XI: Campbell (c), Steele, Hutchinson, Hallahan, Cotterill, Gatter, Sbarra, Tandy, Dinanga, Garnett, Davies.
Subs: Hawkins (GK), Hammerton, Matthews, Shaw, Hunt.