Burton Albion Football Club

Albion boss Gary Rowett hailed his sides professional performance after seeing off Hereford United 2-0 in the first round of the FA Cup at the Pirelli Stadium.

A well worked Adam McGurk strike and a first competitive goal from 18-year-old midfielder Matty Palmer sealed the Brewers' passage to round two where they will play Fleetwood Town.

Rowett told Brewers Player: "I thought it could've been a really tricky tie and we knew it would be, we had seen lots of Hereford and we knew it was almost a chance for them to get their season kick-started so we knew they'd throw everything at it.

"I thought we took care of most things, we were very comfortable, very professional," he said.

The Burton manager also believed his side could have sealed the win earlier had they taken one of the many chances they created.

"A couple of times they have put the balls in the box and we've had to defend it but we did that well and i thought we created enough chances to possibly to get another one (goal) earlier and settle the game down even further."

"We've scored two goals but we probably could have created more chances and for better finishing we could have scored more," he explained.

At 1-0 the tie was evenly balanced and non-league Hereford may have felt unlucky not to have scored themselves given the chances they created.

"Full credit to Hereford, they've come here and been very competitive and given us an excellent game but I thought we were good today."

Rowett explained how the home win can now be used as a starting block for another run of maximum points.

"We had three wins and three clean sheets then we lost to Morecambe at home, it was the end of a good run and we start another one."

Having made his debut in the FA Cup last year, 18-year-old Palmer scored his first goal in professional football in the same competition.

The centre midfielder, who was used on the right against Hereford cut inside onto his weaker left foot and struck an unstoppable 25 yard strike past the Hereford 'keeper.

Manager Rowett was full of praise for his young midfielder.

"He's a terrific prospect, he's a real gem for us and i think we just have to keep trying to shape him the way he needs to be.

"He works so hard in the week, he does everything you ask of him and a little bit more.

"At the moment it is almost impossible to keep him out the side.

"We played him on the right today rather than through the middle and I thought he was excellent again. 

"He keeps coming up with the answers," he said.

The Brewers now face a trip to Fleetwood Town's Highbury Stadium in round two and the Burton boss is confident his side can get a result.

"We know it's going to be a difficult game, we've had a bit of success in the last couple of games against Fleetwood but that'll add to their resolve.

"They'll be keen to get another run going and a cup run going just like us, all the clubs will be desperate to get in the hat for the third round.

"It's going to be tough but it's something to go for," added Rowett.