Three changes from the team that lost 2-1 to Coventry. In come Butcher, Akins, McCroy and out go Naylor, El Khayati and Thiele.
It was a bright start from the Brewers who clearly didn't have a hang over from the loss against Coventry. Butcher dragged a shot just wide on 9 minutes after Duffy did exceptionally well on the edge of the box to provide the midfielder with the shooting opportunity.ÂAnother chance went begging moments later when Duffy slipped the ball through to Akins who worked himself into a great position but fired a shot out of the stadium with his weaker foot.Â
It looked like an almost certain goal for Rochdale as Lund volleyed a ball towards goal from 18 yards but Mousinho headed clear, if he hadn't it would have been a goal, no doubt about it.Â
Jon McLaughlin limped off the pitch after 23 minutes to be replaced by Remi Matthews.Â
GOAL: The Matthews effect! Duffy swung a free kick into the box and it looked as though Beavon got the flick on and it ended up in the back of the net! After an inquest in the pres box, it was confirmed or should we say agreed that it was a Rafferty OG.
It was a great half from the neutral point of view with both teams having good chances but it was the Brewers that went in ahead.
HT: Burton Albion 1-0 Rochdale AFC
No changes at half time for either side.
The Brewers came out strong, just how they finished the second half and enjoyed early possession but they didn't create much during this period.Â
The game settled down not long in to the second half and neither side created many chances. Andrew was a treat in the air for the travelling team but none of his team mates could work off him.Â
A viscious shot from Phil Edwards from a tight angle wasn't enough to trouble Lillis too much as he hung on.Â
FT: Burton Albion 1-0 Rochdale AFCÂ
Attendance: 2,787.Â
Ash's man of the match: Damien McCrory