The Pirelli Stadium, home of Burton Albion based in Staffordshire. Nicknamed the “Brewers” after Burton’s history of brewing beer and delivering all over the world in the past. 25th January 2020 and Burton were at home to Accrington Stanley? Who are they? Exactly! Burton were hoping to continue their fine home record whereas Stanley were fighting at the lower ends of League 1. Who’s your money on betters?
Off to Shirebrook train station I went, train to Nottingham and then to Burton on Trent. £8 return to Burton from Nottingham!! One word: “Railcard!” 40 minutes later and I arrived at Burton station and a 20 minute walk to the ground. £20 to stand on the Burton terrace! Not Bad! An Old School ground at first glance, 3 standing terraces with one long seated stand.
Kick Off! A poor start to the game from both sides and little atmosphere in the stands. You’ve got a drum Burton use it! 15 minutes gone and a ball lumped forward in to the Burton box was cleared straight to Stanley’s Dion Charles, he cut onto his left foot and fired at goal, and scored!! 0-1 to Stanley! The goal seemed to spring Burton into life and they started to take the game to Stanley. Half an hour gone and Burton had a corner. Ball whipped in and met by Burton’s John Brayford who headed home!! 1-1! Tempers flared at the end of the first half when Burton’s Ryan Edwards and Stanley’s Mark Hughes began to square up and both received yellow cards. Half time the score was 1-1.
Second Half, a little more open than the first half, both teams having chances but then a first for me at a football match, Accrington were awarded a free kick about 25 yards from goal. Josef Bursik, the Stanley goalkeeper came up to take it! What if he messes up? Bursik shot and saved by the keeper and the crowd were trying to hurry the burton players to get the ball upfield quickly, but Bursik reached his goal and the game continued. A training ground corner gave Stanley’s Sadou Diallo a chance… he put it over the bar and that was the closest of any team in the second half.
FT: Burton Albion 1-1 Accrington Stanley
Ratings
- Atmosphere: 2/10 – Not much atmosphere at all from any fans, a real shame as Burton had a drum behind the goal where I was standing and a lifeless celebration for Burton’s equaliser.
- The Ground: 4/10 – It’s a typical Old School ground but it wasn’t anything to send a postcard home for.
- Expense: 5/10 – £20 is a decent price for League 1 but the match wasn’t the best and the lack of atmosphere did little to add to that value.
- Overall Experience: 4/10 – Not the best game I’ve seen and I did find myself bored at times during the match, but hey! At least it wasn’t 0-0.
15/40