Burton Albion Football Club

Left-back praises winger after finish

Burton Albion defender Damien McCrory has praised the attitude and ability of his team-mates following Saturday’s 1-0 away at Morecambe.

The Brewers came out on top in difficult conditions on a tough pitch, and McCrory says that the side didn’t let the conditions affect them.

“As a team we dug in and played to the conditions of the pitch – which weren’t great and it was a very solid win for us. Zeli’s come on and won us the game and we’ve kept another clean sheet, which is good.

“It’s quite boggy and the extra sand they put on meant it didn’t look great.

As players you’ve got to adapt to whatever conditions you’ve got and you can’t use it as an excuse to not play well. As a team we adapted well and we got our reward in the end.

“It was important that we got the win as well as the clean sheet which is a massive bonus. Hopefully we can go on another run of not conceding goals,” said McCrory.

Albion had to defend well to earn their victory, with McCrory blocking a goalbound effort with his face.

Whilst he’s satisfied to have kept the ball out, he’s quick to praise the whole side for their defensive efforts throughout the 90 minutes.

“I followed the guy in after heading the ball out. He’s struck it really well and it’s one of those where you just throw yourself at it. I spoke to Rob (Lainton) afterwards and he said it was sailing in.

 “It’s nice to know you’re blocking what could have been an equaliser but the guys were magnificent today and we fully deserved our win,” McCrory added.

Zeli Ismail was once again Burton’s match-winner with his stunning second-half goal, and McCrory admits he is a handful to face.

“I’ve come up against him a few times in training, and the thing with him is that he impacts the game when he comes on and he can do things when he starts.

“He’s both footed so you wouldn’t want him running at you. He’s any full-back’s nightmare,” McCrory said.

The Brewers are next in action against Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday at the Pirelli Stadium. One of McCrory’s former clubs, he’s looking forward to facing his old team.

“They’re flying at the minute and they’ve really improved since Wayne Burnett took over, so it will be a tough game but we look forward to them coming on Saturday.”

As part of Albion celebrating junior football the club have reduced ticket prices in all areas of the Pirelli Stadium for Saturday’s Sky Bet League 2 clash with Dagenham & Redbridge.

Seating:
Adult: £15
Senior and Young Person: £13
16 years and under: £5

Terrace:
Adult: £13
Senior and Young Person: £11

To find out more about Albion’s Junior Football Day please click here.