BURTON Albion manager Nigel Clough managed to give several of his first team squad some much-needed game time as the Brewers took on a Crewe side in a training game.
Kieran Wallace, Joe Sbarra, and Reece Hutchinson all played at St George's Park.
Ben Fox and Josh Clarke, who are both recovering from injury, also got some important match action to help with their recovery.
Nigel Clough said: “It was a very good work out for the players that needed it. Josh Clarke managed 45 minutes – which was precautionary as he has only had the one training session. Ben Fox came through 90 minutes. Kieran Wallace and Joe Sbarra got 90 minutes. Reece Hutchinson captained the side.
“We got some of the Academy lads involved as well - Tom Armitage, Ben Hart and Jack Holmes. It was good to get them involved in the first team squad.
“Crewe had a similar sort of side with some young players and some experience in there as well - Nicky Hunt, Alex Nicholls and Shaun Miller.”
Albion lost 2-1 to an injury time Crewe winner with Fox scoring the Brewers goal from a Sbarra corner but the manager says these games are not about results.
“We had Joe Sbarra and Will Miller up front, so it wasn’t the biggest front two but it’s all about fitness in these game and keeping the squad ticking over.”