Boss delighted with Plymouth win
Burton Albion manager Gary Rowett was delighted with the foundations laid during the first half of Saturday’s 1-0 win over Plymouth Argyle.
The Brewers looked comfortable throughout as they earned their tenth home win this season, and Rowett puts that down to a solid display in the first period.
“We spoke about it at half-time that Plymouth would come out and try something different in the second half. I’d say the first half was the best we’ve played at home this season.
“I was really pleased with the first half but they pinned us back a bit in the second half, but I can’t see too many clear cut chances that they created and I thought we defended fantastically well.
“We didn’t really come under any pressure in the first half, and we possibly should have made one or two of our positions count.
“We tried a bit of a different formation with three midfielders getting closer to the front two who were both excellent. I hoped both Billy (Kee) and Gary (Alexander) would have an effect with their physicality on a smaller pitch, and our link up play was excellent,” said Rowett.
I was another 1-0 win for the Albion, and whilst Rowett would like to win games by a more comfortable margin, he’s happy for the team to play to its strengths.
“I said a while ago that I’m the biggest advocate of exciting football, but it looks as if our solidity is our strength, and we need to make sure we don’t lose that.
“We’ve lost one game in 15 at home, which dispels the theory of having bad home form, and I think we’ve won most of those games too.
“We had one or two other chances to kill the game off, but if you keep clean sheets and are defensively resolute, then you have a chance of winning games. We’ve been able to do that and our teamwork was fantastic today,” Rowett said.
Rowett was also quick to praise on-loan match winner Callum McFadzean, and has spoken of the need for a squad effort going into the last five games.
“He’s (McFadzean) showed some good signs and he’s got better and better with each game. He looked a bit leggy towards the end but the new formation in the first half worked very well for him.
“I said previously that it’s all about options and being able to change the side. We needed three good substitutes to come on and affect the game both physically and tactically and we certainly had that. Michael Symes came on and we were pleased for him. Lee Bell played instead of Robbie Weir so we definitely have options.
“I’ve told the players that it’s a squad game and a squad mentality, and it will take every single one of us if we want any sort o success, and if we get any success then everyone will benefit from it.”