Burton Albion Football Club

It was a bright start from the Brewers and it very nearly was 1-0 some 16 minutes into the game. McCrory received a clever header from Weir and he made  up some ground down the left before pulling it across for Duffy who had to take it first time but his shot sailed over the bar. 

Crewe kept the ball well towards the latter stages of the second half but their possession play didn't trouble the Albion as they created no chances at all. 

The Albion would have been ahead just before half time had Garratt not pulled off a point-blank save. Nasser drilled the ball in from the left, Akins diverted the ball towards goal but Garratt got down and held it well. 

Despite a great end to the second half, the scores were level.

HT: Burton Albion 0-0 Crewe Alexandra. 

The Brewers picked up where they left off in the first half, creating lots of early chances. Nasser and Timmy were the main dangermen but still no goals to show for their hard work. 

Jones was the first sub of the night as he replaced Atkinson for the visitors. 

Thiele had a great chance to put the Brewers ahead just after the hour mark. Duffy picked up a loose ball, played through Thiele who cut back onto his right foot but slipped the vital moment. 

Akins was rested as Binnom-Williams was thrown on, El Khayati was moved to the right with Duffy playing down the middle. 

The referee was very quick on the whistle much to the despair of the Albion faithful. 

Zeli Ismail made another appearance with 15 minutes still to go on the clock, he replaced El Khayati down the right. 

The final throw of the dice came when Joachim replaced Thiele for a straight swap. 

What an end to the game. Joachim won't free kick on the corner of the box, Duffy took it, he curled it near post and it hit the underside of the bar and Crewe just cleared!

FT: Burton Albion 0-0 Crewe Alexandra

Attendance: 2,666.

Ash's man of the match: Shane Cansdell-Sherriff