VICS 0 v 2 BURTON ?

Vics tried hard to turn things around against Burton but the reality is they were beaten by a team that was in a different class and who could have won by more.

The game opened evenly with both teams having early chances. First Edwards headed a long throw from Holmes on and Howard headed narrowly wide. Then Rusk played the ball to Coulson, then on to Brown who forced keeper Poole into a good save at the expense of a corner. Edwards failed to control a lovely through ball from Gilroy and Connett was out quickly to deny him.

At the other end Coulson looked dangerous in early raids and then Vics best chance fell to Tait when he controlled a lovely cross from Brown, beat Brayford but shot inches over the bar. The action switched quickly to Vics half and Connett made a good save from an Edwards header pushing the ball on to the post.

Sharpe was shown a yellow after 13 minutes as Vics started to come under more pressure. The warning of what was to come came after 18 minutes when a corner from McGrath was headed powerfully into the net by Webster but the ref quickly ruled it out for pushing. 5 minutes later Vics were not so fortunate and off another McGrath corner Webster again headed home with the entire defence looking very static.

From here on Burton dominated and Vics found it hard to even get out of their own half at times. Connett finger tipped a Harrod shot just over and then Holmes was allowed to race at Vics goal and he shot from 25 yards and again Connett pushed the shot on to the post. Edwards headed inches wide as Vics hung on and they were grateful to go in for the break only one goal down.

Maylett replaced Tait at half time and after a largely uneventful opening to the second half Townson replaced Byrne just before the hour. Vics were looking a little better after the break but there was still little from the midfield to give the forwards much to work with, most of the improvement was down to more effort.

It was no surprise when, after 62 minutes, Gilroy made Burton's lead much more comfortable when he fired a great shot into the top corner after spotting Connett out of position.

Redfearn used the last of his subs immediately after the goal. On 69 minutes Coulson did force Poole into a reasonable save after he was given a second chance at a shot and Vics won a corner that was cleared. Burton eased off a little and Vics did have more possession in the Burton half. The visitors, however, continued to look dangerous and Connett did well to save from Edwards on 72 minutes.

Coulson, easily looking Vics biggest threat, had a promising shot blocked by Brayford as the game entered the last 15 minutes. Burton's response was immediate and Goodfellow shot right across the face of goal and, luckily for Vics, there was no one there to turn it in. Burton sensibly played the game out after this and Vics never seriously threatened their dominance. Rusk managed to get a yellow card in stoppage time for a needless foul and that about summed up Vics night.

Man of the match had to be Coulson who did well with little service, looked skilful and never gave up. Given an effective midfield he could be a really good player!

Vics now sit rock bottom of the league and the effect on the gate was obvious tonight as, with a good Burton following, the gate was only 845.

Connett, Rusk, Sharpe (Wilson 62), Strong, Birch, Battersby, Byrne (Townson 58), Carr, Brown, Tait (Maylett h/t), Coulson

Subs not used: Welch, Murphy

Attendance: 845

Referee: Mr R Merchant