Worthy point against table-toppers

AARON Amari-Holloway battles for the ball at Burton Albion.

Burton 0, Athletic 0

ATHLETIC came through their test at the league leaders unscathed, keeping a clean sheet despite the absence of key defender Anthony Gerrard and proving themselves the better of the sides on show in front of the cameras., writes MATTHEW CHAMBERS


John Sheridan’s men, the sharper and better passers throughout, were unfortunate not to see Burton reduced to 10 men after less than five minutes had elapsed.

Referee Geoff Eltringham only produced a yellow card for Tom Flanagan, who hacked down Aaron Amadi-Holloway when he had battled through to a scoring opportunity.

Nigel Clough’s side had the better of the meagre scoring chances from there on in. Lucas Akins saw a shot blocked in the box by Brian Wilson after he had already stepped around Joel Coleman and Flanagan headed against the crossbar from a corner.

After the interval, Mark Duffy tested Coleman’s reflexes with a 25-yard free-kick.

For Sheridan, a point was clearly a very positive return, though the lack of a shot on target from his side all game meant an unlikely chance to claim three points at the Pirelli Stadium was not realised.

“I just wish we had a bit more belief to push on and create a few more opportunities,” Sheridan said afterwards.

“Goals change games and win games and unfortunately, we didn’t score again.”