Manager thrilled by bench impact
Burton Albion boss Gary Rowett praised the impact of second-half substitutes Zeli Ismail and Dominic Knowles after debutant Ismail provided two assists for Knowles who scored his first and second goals for the club in the 2-1 win of Cheltenham Town.
Albion secured their sixth Sky Bet League 2 win in 10 games and Knowles’ winner after 85 minutes helped the Brewers maintain their second place spot in the league.
Rowett told Brewers Player: “We looked a bit like we hadn't’t played for 10 days our side is about energy, fitness and aggression.
“Sometimes the more they play the better they are.”
After joining on loan from Wolves during the week it didn't take long for the former England Youth international to make an impact.
“We managed to liven up the game through Zeli, who always was going to be an option.
“I was tempted to start him but I thought it might be better for him to come on and have a bit more of an impact and you can see what he is all about.
“He likes taking people on and getting people on the edge of their seats and that is certainly what he does,” Rowett explained.
“He gave us that little bit of purpose going forward,” he added.
If Ismail provided the flair it was fellow substitute Knowles who provided the ruthlessness as the striker latched onto two crosses by Ismail to fire Albion level and then ahead with just five minutes left on the clock.
“With Knowles’ introduction as well, you can see what he’s got.”
The goals were Knowles’ first and second for Albion since joining the club in the summer and Rowett believes the brace was well deserved.
“They were two terrific finishes and there is no one at the club who deserves it more than him.”
Albion are now 11 games unbeaten in all competition and the Brewers boss is thrilled with his side's form and admitted the players are enjoying the recent run of success.
“We’re creating chances and winning games and limiting the opposition to not that many chances.”
He added: “We’re playing well and enjoying things at the moment.”