ALBION slipped to a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Doncaster Rovers to leave their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy in the balance.

Despite dominating long periods of the game Albion struggled to carry a cutting edge and two defensive lapses allowed Mo Faal and Kyle Hurst to capitalise and seal victory for Rovers with substitute Bez Lubala netting what proved to be nothing more than a consolation with six minutes left.

On a difficult night in South Yorkshire there was one positive with first team debuts for Academy scholars Ronny Wakelin and Dylan Scott who both came on as second half substitutes.

Dino Maamria made seven changes for the game at the Eco Power Stadium with a number in need of minutes in their bids to return to fitness. Most notably, striker Cole Stockton led the line, having not started a game since the Carabao Cup game against Leicester in August. Jamal Blackman replaced Max Crocombe in goal whilst Rekeem Harper, Mason Bennett and Josh Gordon all looked to get valuable game time. Steve Seddon returned at left back.after an enforced concussion break and Ciaran Gilligan returned in the centre of midfield. Tom Hamer had the honour of captaining the side.

Albion started confidently with plenty of possession and pinning their opponents into their own half. Seddon’s inswinging corner created the first real chance on eight minutes but Harper’s rising volley cleared the crossbar.

Gilligan picked up an early booking for a sliding challenge on Owen Bailey that was not to the liking of referee Matt Corlett.

Albion found themselves behind, against the run of play when Jasper Moon’s pass was intercepted allowing FAAL to run through unchallenged and slide the ball beyond Blackman.

Stockton had a chance to equalise midway through the half. Harper’s pass was fizzed in to the striker on the edge of the box and Stockton’s shot on the turn flew just wide. Another chance came his way moments later but on his left foot he fired Bennett’s pass wide.

The Brewers continued to enjoy the lion’s share of possession but almost got picked off again when a loose pass saw Jack Goodman nip in and fire in a long range effort with Blackman out of his goal but his shot was into the side netting.

Gordon also found himself in the book for a challenge on James Maxwell in the closing moments of the first half where Albion had dominated without really threatening.

HALF TIME: DONCASTER ROVERS 1-0 BURTON ALBION

Kyle Hurst had a chance inside the opening minute of the second half to extend Rovers lead but Blackman had his near post covered and pushed the ball behind and from the resulting corner Joseph Olowu inexplicably headed wide from close range.

Helm curled an effort wide but a minute later and Burton were two down. A poor header back allowed Luke Molyneux to deliver a low cross and with Albion’s defence struggling to get back in position, HURST was able to calmly slot home.

With Albion looking for something to give them a route back into the game changes came on 65 minutes with Lubala and Wakelin taking to the field for Gilligan and Bennett.

The Brewers continued to struggle to create opportunities get back into the game and Jake Caprice and Josh Walker added more fresh legs for the final ten minutes of the game.

Caprice had an immediate impact with a teasing cross that was only cleared as far as LUBALA on the edge of the box and his effort flew into the top corner to set up a close finish.

Scott also got a Brewers debut in the closing minutes in place of Stockton as the Brewers looked for a late equaliser but despite late pressure Albion could not find a breakthrough and progress will now come down to the final group game against Mansfield Town at the Pirelli Stadium in two weeks time.

ALBION: Blackman; Hamer, Moon, Sweeney, Seddon; Harper, Gilligan (Wakelin, 65), Helm (Walker, 80), Bennett (Lubala, 65); Gordon (Caprice, 80), Stockton (Scott, 85).

Substitutes: Crocombe, Tamen.

GOALS: ROVERS – Faal (18), Hurst (55) ; ALBION – Lubala (84)

Referee: Matt Corlett

Attendance: 1,068