IN an entertaining fixture at St George’s Park, Burton Albion's Professional Development Phase side ran out 3-2 winners against Harrogate Town in our first EFL Youth Alliance game of the season.
The Brewers controlled possession from the first whistle but fell behind against the run of play, George Horsbury volleying home from the edge of the box on the half-hour.
The patience of the youngsters paid off 10 minutes later, Cassiun Langfield levelling up from 10 yards with a composed finish to the bottom corner.
The Brewers continued to impress on the ball and had several opportunities to go ahead and they eventually did when Callum Niven guided his volley brilliantly into the far corner.
That lead only lasted two minutes, with Harrogate breaking and Brad Williams rifling home on the break to keep the visitors in the game on their league debut.
The game looked like it was heading for a draw until Niven stepped up once again to power a header home in the final minute of the game, securing all three points.
“We expected them to be direct and they were, we kept the ball well which is what we always plan to do," said goalscorer Niven after the game.
“We fought hard for the three points and competitive games like this are key in this part of our development.”