BURTON Albion’s Professional Development Phase side earned their second consecutive win in all competitions as they beat Scunthorpe United 5-3 at St George’s Park in the EFL Youth Alliance League.
Callum Niven, who recently had a spell on loan at Redditch United, scored a stunning four goals as Burton battled back from going behind on two occasions to secure an important three points.
Despite the chaotic nature of the first 70 minutes, Albion showed great composure to deny Scunthorpe any real chances once their lead had been established.
The Young Brewers side got off to a fantastic start as a Charlie Williams' free kick was spilt into the direction of captain Luke REDFERN who pounced on the rebound to open the scoring.
Burton remained on top for the opening ten minutes as Joe Nyahwema teed up NIVEN who forced a good save from the Scunthorpe goalkeeper and Ben McLean headed wide from another Williams free kick.
It was almost 2-0 at the 11th minute mark as Williams found Tristan Bennett who squared the ball across to Huw Emery, and while he beat the keeper, he could not beat Scunthorpe captain Oliver Lobley whose block saved what was a certain goal.
However, the game was soon to turn as Scunthorpe forced Dan Moore to make a great save from close range to deny Jack Moore-Billam.
And Scunthorpe built on that momentum to level up the scoring as Ty Sellars-Fleming picked out Nathaniel Wallace who slotted home.
The away side went ahead after 32 minutes as Sellars-Fleming got on the end of a Harry Lewis pass to finish a great team move.
Burton responded brilliantly to this setback and were only behind for three minutes as a superb ball over the top from full-back Tommy Hill found NIVEN, who beat the offside trap and finished with aplomb.
Niven was keen to add to his goal-tally and worked a chance for the hosts, but Jamie Moore was near to make a vital clearance for Scunthorpe.
Unfortunately for the Brewers, it was the Iron who took the lead next as Harrison Polyer teed up the right-back Wallace who placed the ball into the top corner for an unlikely brace.
Burton stood strong to deal with a quick onslaught from Scunthorpe, as captain Redfern provided an important block to deny Polyer a clear goalscoring opportunity.
The rewards for that spell of defending arrived on the 63rd minute as substitute John-Joe Power played in Niven who powered the ball past the goalkeeper and levelled the game up for the second time.
NIVEN soon helped the Young Brewers get back in front, as just three minutes later the former Redditch United loanee picked up a loose ball and fired home despite Lobley’s best efforts.
The last 20 minutes were fairly even, as Burton controlled what had been an end-to-end game well, and chances were few and far between.
There was however one more goal left in the game and NIVEN was not to be denied a fourth as he again took advantage of Scunthorpe’s high line and got the better of his man before keeping his composure and finishing calmly.
The Brewers will look to build on their second consecutive win in all competitions as they travel to Doncaster on the 30th in the EFL Youth Alliance League.
GOALS: Redfern (3), Niven (35, 63, 66, 87)
BREWERS: Moore, Emery, Hill, Radcliffe, Redfern, McLean, Hazell (Power 59’), Nyahwema (Maginness 90), Niven, Williams, Bennett. Subs not used: Lewis (GK), Robinson, Pace