THE young Brewers succumbed to a goal either side of half-time as opponents Grimsby Town took the three points in the Youth Alliance Cup.
Neither side were able to create too much early on, Ethan Vale’s teasing free-kick across the face of goal was the closest to an opener in the first 20.
The Grimsby number seven then opened the scoring in fantastic finish, he evaded the challenges of the Young Brewers’ defence with ease before curling his effort into the bottom left corner.
The Young Brewers responded well, striker Tom Hewlett got away from his man but could only fire straight at the keeper before a flurry of corners saw both Rueben Lal and Regan Ganley head just past the post.
The Mariners threatened again through their pacy forwards but some superb defending from Ben Hart stopped them doubling their lead.
Burton then had their best opportunity of the half in added time. Hewlett forcing his way into the box only to be denied from point-blank range by a stunning save from the Grimby Town keeper.
The second-half started much like the first with neither side asserting any real dominance on the game. The Young Brewers did however continue to trouble Grimsby from set-pieces with Ganley’s effort blocked before Hewlett fired into the side-netting from a tight angle.
The Grimsby number 11 then hit a brilliant snapshot on the turn that forced a superb reflex save from Nathan Smith in goal. As the game progressed, more spaces opened for either side on the break. The Mariners number 11 once more causing trouble for Burton, this time his effort cannoned off the post.
Substitute Jack Holmes was able to make a difference for the Young Brewers. His fresh legs causing a problem for the Grimsby defence throughout the second-half.
Burton were unable to find an equaliser and with 15 minutes remaining Grimsby doubled their lead. A set-piece came in from the left, and a powerful header from the centre-half found its way past Smith and into the back of the net.
The sides meet again this Saturday, this time at Grimsby and in the league.