BURTON Albion lost their final pre-season game in preparation for the start of the Sky Bet League One season, losing 2-1 away at Scunthorpe United.
Scunthorpe held the majority of possession in the opening five minutes, as Albion struggled to get a foothold on the game. Mason Bennett had the Brewers first chance of the game just moments later, but he saw his effort go wide of the target.
Cameron Wilson had the ball in the net for the home side on 7 minutes, thrashing an effort into the roof of the net from the edge of the area, but luckily for Albion the linesman’s flag was up.
Albion started to find time and space in the following minutes, with Powell and Bennett both having chances in quick succession on 11 minutes. An opening gave Powell time and space to shoot, with his effort looking set for the top corner, but Fitzsimons made an excellent save to push the shot away. Mason Bennett was then there with a follow up attempt on the volley, but he failed to keep it down, firing over.
On 18 minutes Danny ELLIOTT gave Scunthorpe the lead. Wilson’s ball into the area caused problems, with Hamer making an attempt at a clearance, but Elliot managed to get himself in a good position to poke home from close range past Blackman.
Albion instantly levelled through Josh GORDON on 21 minutes. Helm and Bennett linked up well, before slotting a clever ball through to Gordon who’s instinctive strike gave Fitzsimonds no chance from just inside the area.
Dino Maamria’s side then started to settle well into the game, holding the majority of possession up until half time. Seddon had a good chance on 39 minutes, first bringing the ball down with a real touch of class inside the area following Tom Hamer's long throw-in. It was then followed by a good second touch, but he couldn’t then manage to execute the final part and keep his shot on target, shooting way over.
On 41 minutes Tom Hamer nearly scored the goal of his life with an attempted overhead kick. Scunthorpe made the first contact from a corner, but it hung up lovely for Hamer who made sweet contact with his ambitious attempt - it looked like it was set to fly in, but unluckily for him it smashed against the crossbar.
HALF TIME: Scunthorpe United 1–1 Burton Albion
Powell had the first chance for an unchanged Albion in the second half. The midfielder nearly put Albion ahead with a volley on his weaker right foot, but he forced Fitzsimons into a good save, as he pushed the shot around the post on 46 minutes.
Jamal Blackman was then called into action minutes later as he was forced into making a good save down low to deny Wilson's curled effort that looked set for the bottom corner.
The Brewers first substitute came on 57 minutes as Cole Stockton replaced Mark Helm.
Kian Scales went close for the home side on 62 minutes but saw his long range shot fly just wide of Blackman’s post.
Albion made their second changes of the game on 70 minutes, as Kegs Chauke and Bobby Kamwa replaced Mason Bennett and Josh Gordon. Ciaran Gilligan then came on on 83 minutes to replace Rekeem Harper.
Scunthorpe regained the lead on 84 minutes. Jacob BUTTERFIELD found himself time and space just outside the area before picking his spot and striking his effort across goal and into Blackman’s far left-hand corner.
The home sides winner was the final, real chance of the game. Dino Maamria’s side now just have seven days until the season opener away at Blackpool.
FULL TIME: Scunthorpe United 2–1 Burton Albion
Goals: Scunthorpe – (Elliott 18’ & Butterfield 84’), Brewers – (Gordon 21’)
Attendance: 1,220
Starting XI: Blackman, Brayford, Seddon, Hughes, Powell, Harper (Gilligan 83’), Gordon (Kamwa 70’), Bennett (Chauke 70’), Moon, Helm (Stockton 57’), Hamer. Subs: Kean, Sweeney, Walker, Lakin, Carayol, Caprice, Delap.