BURTON ALBION 2-0 BIRMINGHAM CITY

A solid performance from the Brewers gave them a well deserved 2-0 victory over Rowett's side.

The Brewers started brightly and kept possession well in the early exchanges but it was the opposition that had the better chances. Three corners in the opening ten minutes all came to nothing thanks to some superb Burton defending.

Mousinho let a good chance go on 20 minutes. Duffy whipped a free kick into the box, Mousinho met it but his header went wide from 12 yards. Had the ball nestled in the back of the net, it would have been chalked off for offside.

The best chance of the half came on 25 minutes when Novak met Gray's ball after some great skill down the left side but his volley went just over from 12 yards.

Former Burton man Maghoma tried his luck from distance but his shot only found its way into the West car park.

The Brewers finished the half the strongest. A series of corners and chances didn't total to much but it was a good way to finish the half.

Half time: Burton Albion 0-0 Birmingham City

There were no changes at half time for either side.

We didn't have to wait long for the first chance of the second half. Naylor whipped a great ball into the box, Akins brought the ball down but his shot on the turn just whistled over the bar.

GOAL: On 52 minutes, the Brewers were rewarded with a corner. Birmingham loanee Mark Duffy took the corner, the skipper John Mousinho wasted no time in powering his head onto the ball to put the Brewers ahead.

GOAL: Duffy whipped a corner in, it bounced awkwardly off Naylor but it fell kindly for Edwards who was left onside before chipping the ball over the 'keeper and tapping home. 2-0 to the Brewers.

A trio of fresh legs joined the field on 69 minutes for the Brewers. Reilly, Trialist and Thiele replaced Weir, Beavon and El Khayati respectively.

Matty Palmer was given the final 15 minutes as he replaced Lucas Akins.

Most of the possession was in favour of the Brewers for the second half and the lead was very much deserved.

Birmingham loanee Mark Duffy was replaced by Kelvin Maynard on 81 minutes. The Liverpudlian has been impressive during the pre-season programme.

Attendance: 3,393.