BURTON Albion’s Professional Development Phase side came unstuck against a hard-battling Harrogate Town at St George’s Park on Tuesday losing 3-1.
An early goal from Dylan Scott gave the Young Brewers the perfect start. However, they were unable to capitalise on their lightning start and conceded three goals to end their impressive run of form as the game ended in a 3-1 defeat.
Albion flew out of the blocks, pressing from the front and their sharp passing highlighted their quality from the start.
The Brewers' fast start came with its reward on five minutes, Dylan Scott got on the end of a clever over-the-top ball from captain Will Tamen that beat the Harrogate press. Scott then took a touch and lobbed the ball over the head of keeper Harvey Giles into the back of the net to give Albion an early lead. 1-0.
The Brewers lead looked a fragile with Harrogate striker, Emmanuel Ilesanmi looking to create problems at every opportunity.
Albion were warned of his presence after eight minutes when picked up a loose ball and drove towards the Burton net. On this occasion goalkeeper Tyler Weeks was out of his goal swiftly to smother Ilesanmi and keep their lead intact.
Weeks was called into action moments later as Ilesanmi raced towards his goal once more, yet again he was out of his goal quickly and tremendously got down low to deflect the strikers shot out for a corner.
Albion’s sloppy play was eventually capitalised on by Harrogate when they gave the ball away on 32 minutes. Josh Brodella broke away down the right wing before his shot was unluckily deflected over his own goalkeeper by Will Tamen to bring the sides level at 1-1.
The Young Brewers had the chance to go into the break leading after Drew Robinsons defence splitting pass was taken down beautifully by Tristan Bennett who only had the keeper to beat. The onrushing Giles could only slice the ball back into the path of Bennett who squared it to Scott. Scott jinked inside but remarkably, Giles made an outstanding diving attempt and was able to block Scott’s shot to send the teams into the break level.
HALF-TIME: BURTON ALBION 1-1 HARROGATE TOWN
After the break, it was the away side that looked the strongest. Ilesanmi was causing Albion problems once more with his pressing and physicality. His pressing came with its reward on 54 minutes when he caught Weeks taking too long on the ball, the striker pinched the ball off him and slotted it into the empty net forr 1-2.
Just after the hour mark, Harrogate could’ve increased their lead even further when Brad Williams ran through the Albion defence and played in Brodella, but once again Weeks was at the rescue to quickly snuff out the danger and block Brodella’s shot to deny his second and Harrogate’s third.
Their third goal eventually came after a freekick whipped in by Olly Nicholson wasn’t cleared properly. The ball fell to Cadarn Taylor who acrobatically put the ball into the back of the net to give Harrogate a two goal lead with only 10 minutes remaining.
Albion were able to keep the ball from there but without creating any clear cut chances as the away side resorted to a solid defensive shape. Had Drew Robinson’s freekick in the 92nd minute not been saved by Giles, it would’ve set up an exciting last few minutes but the save all but secured the three points for the deserving away side.
Albion now face Lincoln away on Saturday in a top of the table clash where the Young Brewers will look to extend their lead after dropping points here.
FULL-TIME: BURTON ALBION 1-3 HARROGATE TOWN
Albion: Weeks, Maginness, Bennett (Ranger, 42, Ademiluyi, 80), Gilbert, Tamen, Robinson, Baker-McKay, Pace, Scott, Oakes, Knowles (Wakelin, 67).
Unused Subs: Dudek, Hazell