THE Brewers fell to a 1-0 Checkatrade Trophy defeat at Port Vale this evening in Northern Group E.
Manager Nigel Clough made six changes from the side that were defeated at Wycombe last weekend, with goalkeeper Harry Campbell, left-back Damien McCrory, midfielders Joe Sbarra and Ben Fox, winger Will Miller and forward Devante Cole all coming into the starting XI.
Albion had the best chances of the first half, coming close just two minutes in as Cole’s volley from Sbarra’s flick-on was deflected wide for a series of corners, which The Brewers could not take advantage of.
Miller then stabbed an effort at goal on 14 minutes but former Brewer Sam Hornby made a good save, as he did two minutes later from the same player curling an effort at goal.
Vale threatened with David Worrall’s header saved well by Campbell, but Albion were on top heading into half-time.
McFadzean forced a good save from Hornby after the restart from an Akins corner, and Cole slid in from six yards out to meet a Marvin Sordell cross, but the ball bobbled off the surface and went over the crossbar.
Vale would take the lead on 65 minutes, with Louis Dodds capitalising on a poor pass and sending Ricky Miller through on goal, the striker springing the offside trap, heading into the box and finishing under Campbell.
Albion kept pressing but could not find a way through, the lively Miller forcing another fine save from Hornby, but it would prove to be a 1-0 defeat ultimately for The Brewers at Vale Park.