Colwyn Bay 1 - 3 Burton Albion - 19/01/02 - League
The Bay gave a brave
account against Nigel Clough's Burton Albion who gave Llanelian Road's biggest
crowd of the season a reminder why they are top of the UniBond League Premier
Division side and favourites to gain promotion into the Nationwide Conference.
Burton went out looking for the early goal. A third minute free kick by Aaron
Webster found skipper Darren Stride at the near post but his header flashed
narrowly wide.
Six minutes later, Sean Farrell's shot from 16 yards was well held by Paul Smith
and within two minutes the Bay keeper had to stop Webster's low drive on his
line.
It was only a temporary respite though as the Brewers broke the deadlock in the
15th minute. Christian Moore's shot was cleared off the line by Stuart Scheuber
but Steve Evans followed up to tap in the rebound from close range to the
delight of the travelling supporters.
But after that blow the Seagulls started to find their feet and two minutes
later Scheuber fired over the bar from 18 yards before Alun Evans broke on the
left to unleash a low drive that was saved by Matt Duke.
The Seagulls equalised in the 38th minute and it was quite a goal. Deiniol
Graham's glorious lob from the edge of the area sailed over Duke and into the
net.
But Burton, with former England International Clough pulling the strings in
midfield, snatched a crucial second goal in the 45th minute. Moore's drive
struck the base of the post but in the ensuing scramble Sean Farrell turned the
ball over the line, and the Bay giving away a scarppy goal once again.
But Colin Caton's side refused to buckle under and came out determined for the
second half. Marc Limbert crossed from the left in the 48th minute and Deiniol
Graham's bicycle-kick was saved by Duke.
Burton's killer third goal came in the 65th minute when a looping shot from 20
yards by Moore completely deceived Smith and the ball dropped on to the bar.
Bay battled till the end and defended stoutly, with another Graham over head
kick late on showing that
they hadn't given up even when they had lost. Burton, one of the best sides to
have visited Llanelian Road for many a season securing the three points and
looking odds on to secure the Premier Division Championship at the end of the
season.
Colwyn Bay: Paul Smith, Stuart Scheuber, Paul Jones, Craig Hogg, Glen Graham(C), Dean Williams, Marc Limbert, Owain Roberts, Deiniol Graham, James McIlvogue(Danny Watkins 87), Alun Evans(Jon Fisher-Cooke 85). Sub not used. Steve Jones. Attendance 733.
Paul Jones puts in a cross.
Dean Williams wins a header.
Bay front men James McIlvogue and Alun Evans battle with Burton's Nigel Clough.
Craig Hogg and Dean Williams in the midfield battle.
As the shot goes in Paul Smith pulls off another brilliant save in the Bay goal.