THE Brewers lost 2-0 to Stoke in a behind closed doors friendly this afternoon in what was a "good work out" for the squad.
Nigel Clough arranged the game to help some of his players get much needed game time.
He said: “It was a very good work out against a strong team that Stoke put out played in quite torrential rain at times, so it was exactly what we wanted. It was a good physical match, we created a lot of chances, they did as well and it could have easily been 4-4.”
Jake Flannigan, Marcus Harness, Reece Hutchinson, Jake Hesketh, Joe Sbarra, Devante Cole and Will Miller all payed 90 minutes. Elliot Hodge played 80 mins before coming off with a slight calf problem.
Clough said: “It keeps the fitness up for some and helps the others get fitness as that’s the first 90 minutes some have had for quite a while.”
It was Will Miller’s first 90 minutes since his serious knee injury.
Clough said: “He has been out for nine months so that’s a long time and he needs work not just on his fitness but a few other things as well. The games coming up against Port Vale and Nuneaton we have targeted for him.
“Jake Flannigan filled in at centre half today against some powerful Stoke players and battled away and he will be pleased to have got 90 minutes.
“Harry Campbell did very well in goal and made several good saves.
“Stoke were delighted with the game as well and it’s great to be able to ring up Gary Rowett and be able to arrange things like this.”