BURTON Albion's 2020/21 season drew to a close with defeat at play-off bound Oxford United, two goals either side of half-time securing victory for the Us as the Brewers finished 16th in the Sky Bet League One table.

Manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink made four changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Gillingham but still went strong - Dillon Barnes starting in goal for Kieran O'Hara the most notable change as Danny Rowe, Michael Mancienne and Mike Fondop were all named in the starting XI.

Albion worked the ball forward well in the opening stages without being able to test Jack Stevens in the Oxford goal, and it would be the hosts duly taking the lead 10 minutes in with the first real effort of note.

The referee was unmoved despite Terry Taylor being wrestled to the floor by his namesake Matt off the ball, and Oxford broke well, Sam Long’s driven cross met by SHODIPO at the near post who sent an unstoppable header from close-range past Barnes, much to the protest of Albion midfielder Taylor.

James Henry sent an effort wide moments later as the Us, aiming to make it into the playoffs with victory this afternoon, looked to extend their early lead.

Albion were winning throw-ins and corners in promising positions without being able to test Stevens, coming up against an Oxford side keeping a good defensive shape.

Rowe came close in the 25th minute with a well-struck volley from 20 yards that flew just wide of the far post, but it would be Oxford getting the next goal against the run of play, as Mancienne’s attempted backwards header to Barnes was intercepted by TAYLOR, who nodded it past the keeper for 2-0.

Terry Taylor came close to pulling one back for the Brewers when Fondop headed Akins’ deep cross down to him, the midfielder creating space for himself in the box before striking at goal. His effort was saved by Stevens but as he went to apply the follow-up, he was penalised for handball.

That was how it remained until half-time, the Brewers largely untroubled at the break for the remainder of the first half but going in 2-0 down at half-time.

HALF-TIME: OXFORD UNITED 2-0 BURTON ALBION

The Brewers again started the half brightly and won a series of corners which came to naught, with Oxford able to withstand the early pressure.

The Brewers again started the half brightly and won a series of corners which came to naught, with Oxford able to withstand the early pressure.

But Oxford duly extended their lead just shy of the hour - LEE sending a low free-kick past the wall which went in off the post.

Rowe came close to getting one back when he turned his man and broke into the box, and his curled cross went over Stevens and clipped the crossbar, before bouncing over.

And there was time for former Brewer WINNALL to unleash a superb effort from distance for the final goal of the game.

Though the result was obviously not what the Brewers wanted, manager Hasselbaink, assistant Dino Maamria, the entire backroom staff and the squad can all focus on a fantastic effort throughout the season to avoid relegation and secure safety with three games still to play in the league.

FULL-TIME: OXFORD UNITED 4-0 BURTON ALBION