ALBION saw their young prospects win this year’s KC Trophy with Charlie Lakin scoring the only goal of the game after eight minutes.
An energetic Burton XI headed to the Don Amott Arena to play the annual game for the trophy and raise funds for charity. Max Crocombe started in goal whilst first team squad members Finn Delap, Ciaran Gilligan, Tom Hewlett and Charlie Lakin also featured in the starting line-up along with three trialists hoping to earn an extended stay with the club.
Albion went in front on eight minutes when LAKIN put the Mickleover left back under pressure, winning possession, and stepping inside the box before curling a measured effort beyond the keeper and inside the post.
Midway through the first half Crocombe was called into action to clear on the edge of his own box and moments later Albion almost doubled their lead when Trialist C cut in from the left and curled a right-foot effort just wide of the far post.
Crocombe twice had to get his angles right to smother on target efforts from the home side before Albion again threatened with some sharp passing inside the box to work an opening for Ronny Wakelin whose weak shot was comfortably saved.
Unfortunately for Wakelin it was his last action as just before half time he landed awkwardly in a challenge on half way and had to be helped off to be replaced by Connor Pace.
Half time: Mickleover FC 0-1 Burton Albion XI
Albion made a couple of half time changes with youngsters Dylan Scott and Jonny Rush coming on for Delap and Trialist B and the Brewers almost doubled their advantage ten minutes after the break, skipper Tom Hewlett stretching inside the box but just unable to prod home a teasing left wing cross from Trialist C.
Hewlett and Lakin then combined well just outside the area for the latter to drive in a low shot that went wide of the post.
Crocombe again had to be alert to keep the Brewers in front with a smart point blank save and then tidying up when Mickleover tried to equalise with a good chance at the far post.
Albion survived without any further scares to seal victory in a good workout for a youthful side and pick up the winners trophy.
After thw game, Academy Manager Dan Robinson who was in charge for the fixture said: "These games are excellent for our young players to get experience playing aganst men and some very experienced footballers.
"We've got some players who are pushing for first-team places it was a very good game for them. We always come to Mickleover and always get a good match against them. This is the first time I think we've come here and won a game, that's how competitive they are."
ALBION XI: Crocombe, Delap (Scott, 46), Trialist A, Tamen, Trialist B (Rush, 46), Oakes, Wakelin (Pace, 45), Gilligan, Hewlett, Trialist C (Ranger, 61), Lakin (Newall, 61).
Substitutes: Dudek.
GOALS: - ALBION – Lakin (8)
Attendance: 328