BURTON Albion advanced to the semi-final of the Birmingham Senior Cup with a 1-0 win over Nuneaton Borough this evening.
The Brewers lined up with a strong starting XI made up of mainly first-team players, seeing a return to action for both captain John Brayford and loanee Sam Hughes following injuries.
Striker Louis Moult was set to make a return following his long-term injury and was named amongst the starters – however, he was replaced on the team sheet just minutes before kick off by Charlie Williams.
Callum NIVEN gave the Brewers an early lead, scoring the only goal of the game after just 4 minutes with a thunderous strike into the bottom corner past Breeden in the Nuneaton goal.
There were numerous chances for both sides in the first half, with Ciaran Gilligan and Charlie Williams going the closest for the Brewers with efforts from outside the area going just wide.
HALF-TIME: NUNEATON BOROUGH 0-1 BURTON ALBION
The Brewers began the second half on the front foot and nearly grabbed a second through Blake-Tracey. The full-back let a left-footed strike go from distance, but it whistled just past Breeden’s right-hand post.
Edmunds had the great chance for the hosts mid-way through the second half. The winger connected with a cross from the left by former Brewers player and Nuneaton captain Damien McCrory, but his effort on the volley went just wide of Callum Hawkins post.
Brayford and Hughes were replaced after 61 minutes on their return from injury by Luke Redfern and Ben Radcliffe.
Scott McManus then had an even better chance on 80 minutes. The ball fell to the Nuneaton defender at the back post following a deep cross by Benbow – his effort looks to be in but trickled just wide of the post from two-yards out.
Nyahwema hit the post with 5 minutes to go for the Brewers - his effort comfortably beat keep Breeden but his low drive bounced off the post and went back into play. This allowed Nuneaton to go up the other end for a final chance through Benbow, the striker did well to create the opportunity but couldn’t quite keep his effort on target in the final minute.
The Brewers ended the game with a much more youthful looking side to what started the tie, but Niven’s early strike would prove crucial and take Albion through to the semi-final of the competition.
FULL-TIME: NUNEATON BOROUGH 0-1 BURTON ALBION
BREWERS: Hawkins, Brayford (C) (Redfern 61), Morris, Hughes (Radcliffe 61), Patrick, Blake-Tracy, Niven, Gilligan, Maddox (Bennett 82), Williams (Nyahwema 69), Latty-Fairweather.