Burton Albion Football Club

A hard-working Burton Albion side were unable to overcome Ilkeston FC in the FA Youth Cup last night.

After 120 minutes of battling football the Brewers eventually succumbed as Ilkeston scored all four or their penalties, with Marcus Dinanga being the only Burton player to miss, forcing a brilliant save with his effort.

Burton had the better of the opening half hour, Marcus Dinanga nearly put his side ahead in under 10 minutes after he was played in by Joe Sbarra, whose driving run caused Ilkeston all kinds of problems, but Dinanga’s powerful effort was saved.

Dinanga went close again just before the half hour, the striker got his head onto a cross and forced a stunning save from close range with his header.

Just before half time, Charlie Hornby produced the first of many brilliant saves to keep Burton in the game. Ilkeston had fashioned a chance through working the ball into the box, and Hornby was there to smother what looked to be a certain goal for the hosts.

Ten  minutes into the second half, Hornby was at it again. The Brewers had looked vulnerable from defending set pieces all game and this was evident again when a flat ball in found its way into the Burton six yard box, only for Hornby to save the resulting effort.

Hornby was left powerless when Ilkeston won a penalty following a bad challenge late on. Hornby went the wrong way but the penalty was blazed over and the game would go to extra time.

Burton had the best of the added 30 minutes, with Dinanga going close at the near post and Sbarra forcing a brilliant save, but they were unable to break the deadlock as the game went to the penalty shootout.

Dinanga missed the second penalty for Burton, and that proved to be crucial as Ilkeston made progress in the cup.