Ex-Blue Luke Varney netted an own goal and Freddie Sears his sixth of the season as Town beat Burton Albion 2-1 in their first ever competitive game at the Pirelli Stadium. After a first-half in which Myles Kenlock had a goal ruled out for offside, Burton sub Varney nodded a corner past his own keeper on 52, Sears added a second in the 79th minute, before the Brewers pulled a goal back via a Lucas Akins penalty four minutes from time but Town withstood some late pressure to claim the three points and all but confirm their Championship status.

Top scorer Tom Lawrence and midfielder Cole Skuse returned to the Town starting line-up for the Blues’ first ever competitive game at the Pirelli Stadium.

Tommy Smith and Toumani Diagouraga dropped to the bench as the Blues switched to 4-2-3-1 system with Skuse, who missed the previous two games due to a concussion, alongside Emyr Huws in central midfield with Grant Ward ahead of them and Lawrence on the left and Freddie Sears on the right, and David McGoldrick the lone striker.

Michael Crowe was the sub keeper with Dean Gerken presumably having picked up a knock.

For Burton, former Blues striker Luke Varney and one-time loan keeper Stephen Bywater were both on the bench.

Blackburn’s 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest earlier this afternoon meant the Blues went into the game with the gap to the relegation zone only six points.

On a wet surface following a downpour an hour or so before kick-off and further steady rain as the game began, Burton struck the first shot of the game after a scrappy and frenetic opening 10 minutes.

John Brayford played the ball in from the right to the edge of the area and on-loan Fulham striker Cauley Woodrow, understood to have been a January Town target, was allowed to get in a shot on the half-turn but hit it too close to Bartosz Bialkowski.

Brewers keeper Jon McLaughlin was forced into a more serious stop two minutes later when McGoldrick struck a low effort across the wet turf and the former Bradford man did well to get down to his right to palm away from goal. Brayford cleared the loose ball.

On 16 Huws sent Sears away down the right with a well-weighted pass and the former Colchester man sent over a deep cross which McLaughlin claimed ahead of McGoldrick.

Six minutes later the Town number 10 flicked a Jordan Spence long ball into the path of Sears on the right from where he cut the ball back to McGoldrick, who shot over from the edge of the box.

The Blues were on top and on 24 a defender’s misreading of a bounce on the edge of the box almost saw Sears in on goal but the ball got caught under his feet. A minute later, following a corner on the left, Lawrence shot wide from distance.

Town had had most of the chances but on 26 the home side went close when skipper Luke Chambers looked to see the ball back to Bialkowski and Woodrow dispossessed him and crossed into the area where Huws turned it over.

Right on the half hour the Blues thought they’d gone in front but were denied by a linesman’s flag. Lawrence brought the ball in from the left and it deflected out to Ward, whose shot was turned in by Myles Kenlock, who briefly celebrated his first senior goal before spotting the flag, which video evidence suggested had been raised incorrectly with the 20-year-old onside.

Town should have gone in front in the 33rd minute when McGoldrick fed Sears in space on the right of the box after good work from Lawrence but the ex-West Ham striker blazed over when he should at least have hit the target.

Soon after, Burton claimed a penalty when a diving Chambers blocked a Woodrow shot but the ball appeared to have hit the Town captain in the face.

Huws stuck a low shot from distance through to McLaughlin on 38, then Kenlock did well to head away in front of Woodrow from a Lloyd Dyer cross from the right.

McGoldrick was immediately sent away on goal between two defenders at the other end but having got on the ball the striker slipped under the attention of Brayford before he could get in a shot.

There was a scare for Town on 41 when Ben Turner stabbed a loose ball over following a corner, before the Blues switched to a 3-5-2 system with Spence the third centre-half and Ward the right wing-back. Lawrence took up a central role behind strikers Sears and McGoldrick.

With the rain by now falling heavily, referee Oliver Langford ended what had been an entertaining half in which both sides had had chances.

The Blues had had more of the opportunities, although overall it had been an even game.

Kenlock will feel aggrieved that what would have been his first ever senior goal had been ruled out, while Sears will believe he ought to have done better with his chance, while McLaughlin had been the more tested of the two keepers with Bialkowski at the other end yet to make a serious stop.

Burton swapped ex-Blue Varney for Marvin Sordell ahead of the second half - the start of which was delayed due to a suspect package which was soon identified as of no concern - with Town continuing with their 3-5-2 formation.

Four minutes after the restart, Lawrence whipped over a dangerous ball from the left which bounced awkwardly in front of McLaughlin, who dealt with it confidently.

And in the 52nd minute the Blues went in front. Lawrence sent over a corner from the left and ex-Blue Varney inadvertently diverted into his own goal ahead of Huws, who otherwise had seemed set to nod home.

Skipper Chambers led the celebrations in front of the travelling Town support. It was Varney’s first goal in a Burton shirt, having scored three when at Town earlier in the season.

The Brewers looked to get straight back into it with Bialkowski forced into his first significant save when Michael Kightly was found in space on the Burton left and hit a shot which the Pole did well to stop and hold sharply down to his left.

Town, with McGoldrick and Lawrence increasingly dangerous, were looking more likely to add a second than the home side were to level, albeit without creating a further clear-cut opportunity.

However, on 66 Skuse did well to stab away from Kightly after Varney had looked to send him away with Berra grounded.

Four minutes later, with the Blues putting the Brewers under pressure, McGoldrick claimed a penalty when he appeared to be shoved as Sears crossed from the right. The Irish international looked to have a case.

Town, by now back in their 4-2-3-1 system, found themselves forced to defend as the game moved into its final 15 minutes. Berra blocked a cross from the right, then Bialkowski punched from under his bar and Huws cleared.

On 77 McGoldrick twisted and turned on the right of the area but saw his shot blocked and was then dispossessed before he could cut the loose ball back to Sears. From the corner, Berra stooped to nod wide.

Two minutes later, the Blues doubled their lead. Huws caught Jackson Irvine in possession on halfway and Kenlock brought the ball forward to the edge of the box before feeding Sears. The striker’s first shot was blocked but he followed up to lash into the roof of the net.

Burton immediately swapped Kightly and Woodrow for Lasse Vigen Christensen and Akins. On 85 Town switched the again hugely McGoldrick for Brett Pitman.

With four minutes remaining Burton were awarded a penalty when the otherwise excellent Kenlock sent Varney tumbling with an awkward challenge on the right of the area. Sub Akins took the spotkick and shot into the roof of the net to make it 2-1.
"Town should have sealed it moments after the restart when Pitman was sent clear by a long clearance but the sub scuffed his shot and McLaughlin saved.

The Blues swapped Lawrence for Tommy Smith during four minutes of time added on in which they found themselves under pressure.

Burton came close to grabbing an equaliser when McLaughlin cleared long and Christensen brought the ball in from the left before hitting a right-foot shot which deflected into the air off Berra and hit the top of the bar.

Town defended the resultant corner to claim their first competitive victory at the Pirelli Stadium at the first attempt, their second double of the season and their fifth away win of the campaign.

Overall, the Blues deserved the three points having been on top for much of the second half, after being unfortunate not to have gone in a goal ahead at the break.

Sears’s second goal ought to have sealed it but the late penalty made the final minutes more nervy than they ought to have been.

The result means the Blues are back to being nine points clear of the relegation zone, now in 15th, with four games to go and with a number of the sides below them still to play one another.

A freakish series of results aside, Town’s Championship status seems secure ahead of Monday’s home game against Newcastle United.

Burton: McLaughlin, Flanagan, Brayford, Mousinho (c), Turner, Sordell (Varney 46), Dyer, Woodrow (Akins 80), Kightly (Christiansen 80), Murphy, Irvine. Unused: Bywater, McCrory, Naylor, Barker.

Town: Bialkowski, Spence, Chambers (c), Berra, Kenlock, Skuse, Huws, Ward, Lawrence (T Smith 90), McGoldrick (Pitman 85), Sears. Unused: Crowe, Bru, Emmanuel, Diagouraga, Samuel. Referee: Oliver Langford (West Midlands). Att: 5,236.

Photo: Action Images

yungblue added 22:27 - Apr 14 Kenlock outstanding. Too see a product of our youth system perform at the level he did is far more pleasing than seeing an overseas foreigner come in and play there. I know we don't invest too much but if you look at it from Evans point of View, he's got a £4 million pound LB right there from the academy. I certainly think it's the best way forward for ITFC, I can't imagine anything better than seeing 80% of our first team being Academy products and the other 20% being other young prospects (Webster, Ward) or even two or three luxury £1 million pound players. McMarrhy is not the man to lead us into a new era, a young refreshing manager with new ideas is. EVANS IN, MCCARTHY OUT.

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Gatehouse added 22:30 - Apr 14 Well done the town kenlock appeared to have a good game ok gave away the pen but an occupational hazard. Playing a youngster like Kenlock regularly boosts his confidence and improves him as a player just wish Mick the stubborn had the belief in some of our other youngsters and played them I doubt we'd be in a worse position in the league and the experience and belief they'd have gained would have been a real boost for next season.hope the rumours of the Dutch guy are true it's got be worth a punt and hopefully he knows a couple of unknown Dutch midfielders!!! Oh those were the days!!!

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bluemike1969 added 22:32 - Apr 14 Good win tonight and a much needed 3 points but why do we struggle with opposition inferior to us. Listening on Suffolk we definitely made hard work of it tonight. I still feel a change of manager is needed as McCarthy is too far up his own backside for his own good. We won, but struggled and that in my eyes doesn't make us contenders for promotion any time soon. And Mr McCarthy's 'pick the bones out of that' speech this week just drove a bigger wedge between him and the supporters. Time to listen to us now Marcus and do something to give us fans hope for next season. Cancel the lap of honour as this season needs to be locked away in a very deep fault never to return!!!

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StochesStotasBlewe added 22:34 - Apr 14 Safety, excepting an incredible set of results, finally secured. A crap season & crap football for the most part. Time to relieve Mr McCarthy of his duties. Can,t & wont sit through another season of this tripe. Strangely, looking forward to Monday & Sir Bobby Robson day. A true ITFC legend.
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bubbybiue added 22:35 - Apr 14 Doesn't matter if MM is their next season ME needs to spend , their are L1 and L2 spending more than us . if ME really would like to see us in the PL he needs to put his hand in his pocket and help the manager get us up maybe not next season but top 10 then build from their .
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milliem added 22:43 - Apr 14 Blueboy81 will be along in a minute with his usual drivel. Suck it up Budgie boy! Your team are cack and they'll never win anything worth having.
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TimmyH added 22:48 - Apr 14 Glad we've won tonight and secured our Championship status (small crumbs I know) - we've beaten Blackburn, Wigan and Burton and spawned an only shot on target win against Villa this year so that should tell a lot of supporters how far we've declined this season - in fact the last time we beat a top half team at the time was way back on bonfire night against Sheff Wednesday. Sounded like a deserved victory tonight and sounded like Kenlock had a good game, well done for the 3 points tonight. McCarthy out.

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DrDre added 22:48 - Apr 14 Shame for Varney to score an OG against us. We are safe but it has been a dreadful season. If there aren't big changes in the summer I fear for us next year.
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Carberry added 22:51 - Apr 14 So Kenlock has the 'For Sale' sign on him now so the owner doesn't have to put his hand in his pocket.
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MadDog added 22:59 - Apr 14 Relief that we are now safe & now we can look forward to exactly the same next season!! Survival was all down to the fantastic management skills of MM but getting in that position in the first place was all the players & fans fault!! Time to sack him now & bring back the style of football that would make Sir Bobby proud!
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Disco_Inferno added 22:59 - Apr 14 Does that count as Luke Barney's 4th goal of the season or our first OG of the season?
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blueboy1981 added 23:01 - Apr 14 .... Milliem ?? ........... such a sad case, and doesn't improve - best to treat with the disdain deserved. Where have we descended to ? .... when a win @ Burton and 15th position has satisfied so many again. These sad supporters sadly deserve no more than what OUR once proud Club has become. Don't be surprised if some are soon calling for another Civic Reception in the morning ..... !!

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TimmyH added 23:33 - Apr 14 Also have to say the picture of the lads celebrating at the top of the article you'd have thought we were heading for the Premiership...some how there seems to be a school of thought probably through McCarthy and the board that everything is okay. 15 years and stagnant in the division is far from ok. McCarthy out.
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BlueandTruesince82 added 00:05 - Apr 15 Thank Bobby for that
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MicksZzzTactics added 00:21 - Apr 15 Well done Town! (Imho not including the selv-perceived tactical football "genius" Mick McCarthy though!)... and also Madame Fortuna I might add!!! Because not only is there the ehmmm smallish matter of the unbiased media's game reviews once again in pivotal parts differing considerably from TWTD's here (nowhere in them reviews does it for instance mention that we: Overall fully "deserved" all 3 points; Nor that we were "unfortunate"; And nor that the ball on their penalty shout seems to hit Chambo square "in the face" with ehmmm nooooooooo flailing parts of his arms being in the way too!) ... but anyhow and much more BASICALLY, at least as seen from 'outer space'(aye I'm still boycotting the still terrible fan-disrespecting consumer product known as ITFC, and thus wasn't there remember???? lol ) where I'm obviously currently reentering the Earth's atmosphere a in a refurbished 1979 true model of the 007 Moonraker space capsule, all this after a n awesome Long Friday home party & binge! -- it ehmmmm certainly ****apppears**** (to the conspiracy-theory nerds among us mostly lol) VERY MUCH like that the DIno McCarthy in some form or another "Called In" :-) a couple of crucial (to the outcome) favors from 2 of his absolute most adored former 'Proper Blokes'. I.E with brother "KIIIIGHTS" missing an absolute 'sitter' by for some unknown reason shooting straight at Bart when it genuinely looked easier to score .... and of course brother "RIIIIIDGE" apparently showing exactly how immensely grateful he really was to the Dino for his couple of late career opportunities specially handed to him here at ITFC by as a nowadays super spicy Burton forward being soooo kind of to sort of "willingly" put the ball into his own net???!!! Alas many thanks to your both, you are literally true 'PROPER BLOKES'! and should after tonight's undebatably "Large Hand" in it eventually turning out as an ITFC win (which thus practically assures us of a record 117th consecutive season in the 2nd tier) surely & fully merited of go down in the Annals of ITFC history, exactly as such! :-) Thank you very very very very much! PS: Grand-Survival-Master Mick for ..... Mayor!!! Yeahhhhhh! :-)

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itfcbam added 00:30 - Apr 15 Good to see some post with some reality attached to them. Whoever the manager is next season, it will be tough again. Yes this season has been hard to take and the style of football could be better. However some on here need a real reality check. Given the financial resources compared others in this league we at about our level, we certainly are not a top half club. Are we bigger than those around us like Wolves, Birmingham, Foresy? Maybe MM over achieved in previous seasons (finishing 6th and 7th with lower mid table resources) which make this season stand out. We aren't in a financial position to just throw money at it and we are going to have to rely on a player sale each season to balance the books, much like it had always needed to do over history (remember the club does have a sizable debt). Yes ME can cover it but what if he has had enough and doesn't want to any more? Think the biggest issue is the prices next season, surely more bums on seats means more income through other means (shop, catering, etc) also a better atmosphere. The encouragement is some younger players progressing and knocking on the door of the 1st team. But those who want them all in the team easily forget what happens when we do play many of them together in the cup matches, so they need to be nurtured, but there are encouraging signs.

3

Dissboyitfc added 01:00 - Apr 15 Bluesman we certainly were not good against Fulham, we were awful first half and the game was lost by half time ( when did we last score 2 or more in a game against a decent side away from home?) It was better second half but not good enough! MM has to go, his promise of playing youngsters will not happen!
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arc added 01:46 - Apr 15 Good to hear about "the again hugely McGoldrick." We need you to be hugely, big man :-) And, to quote a classic: "Well, look happy, you stupid bastards! We won, didn't we?"
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battyblue added 06:10 - Apr 15 Well done the players,,well done MM you beat Barcaburton okay we know you saved us four long years ago from relegation and you have saved us again now sod off and find someone else to save.. (Milliem) you are a right dork if you don't have something sensible to post do one with McCarthy.
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tallguy6767 added 06:34 - Apr 15 A win against the mighty Burton Albion to secure our 2nd tier status! Nothing much to celebrate there but won't stop McCarthy being smug arrogant and showing absolute contempt to fans!!
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Brownie added 06:42 - Apr 15 Here goes with a post not of bile & vitriol or blind optimism.My opinion is we need to change or except we have no ambition. This league will be harder than ever next year. The 3 teams that come down, the 3 in play-offs that don't go up will all invest. So will Villa, Derby, Forest(if still here) & even Bolton & Sheffield Utd. To compete we need a combination of things... 1. Good Team Spirit & work ethos? Yes I think we have that. 2. Good young players coming through? ✅ 3. Quality players in the team? Not enough at the moment 4. Investment in the squad? Now we are struggling. 5. Leadership from the manager, owner & board? Let me think about it 🤔 If we keep doing the same thing & expect different results we will be disappointed. ME needs to invest in players, get a manager that picks people on form, plays youth & plays to win. The alternative is more if the same which nobody wants. Time to go MM & let's move forward. In the meantime respect to Sir Bobby on Monday & let's have a go at the Magpies! COYB!

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tallguy6767 added 06:45 - Apr 15 Pinewoodblueboy: was meant to mark up agree totally !
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runaround added 07:34 - Apr 15 Good win & surely we are safe now. Four massive months lay ahead for our club now. Big decisions to be made & changes required
5

bressinghamblue added 07:40 - Apr 15 Great win and a mighty relief to get 3 points that might just save us. BUT .... for those of you lauding the great escapologist Mick McCarthy, please remember that we are 15th in the second tier of Englush football. We have been watching the most awful football and boring tactics for 18 months now. A couple of wins over teams worse than us does NOT make Mick a good manager overnight. It certainly does not make him or his support team the right people to rebuild our once great club. PR will still remain one third full (at best) if he is still there. Marcus should let MM go on a 'high' of beating the mighty Wigan and Burton. Show some balls man and act NOW so we call all enjoy ITFC v Newcastle, making it a truly special occasion in Sir Bobby's memory.

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Dissboyitfc added 08:05 - Apr 15 A very welcome 3 points, but a great win? beating Newcastle now that would be a great win. 7 years ago Burton were non-league, they havent invested heavily so we should expect to beat these teams not srape wins against them and call them great victories! After 15 years and 10 years of ME ownership we are 15th in the second tier of english football with very little in the way of entertainment and football or indeed anything to cheer but avoiding relegation to the 3rd tier, come on ffs get a grip people. I have said and i maintain that belief, that football played the proper way and entertainment are not totally reliable on money. We have some very good youth players. I understand that Kenlock had a good game yesterday a player who would be on the bench at best if 'proper bloke" Knudsen was available! We need a young and exciting Manager at the club who will coach the best out of our younger players and bring back some joy to the the long suffering town fans. How anyone can get behind what is happening at the club is beyond me. MM out !!!!

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