Clough hails all-round performance against Morecambe

Posted Wednesday, August 28, 2019 by PA

Burton boss Nigel Clough hailed Liam Boyce’s hat-trick as Albion booked their place in the Carabao Cup third round with a 4-0 win over Morecambe.

Boyce’s three goals and a first for the club for Ryan Edwards saw last year’s semi-finalists power past the fellow League One side.

Boyce is yet to score in the league this season but now has four in the Carabao Cup, however Brewers manager Clough is not concerned.

“Four goals, a clean sheet and a hat-trick for our striker. All very good on the evening,” Clough said.

“Goals are goals for strikers and the main thing he has scored them inside the six-yard box.

“A great header from a corner for the first one and other two are what you would call scrappy striker goals.

“He’s there battling away and then gets a little toe end on the others and it’s a good hat-trick, the second one we have had in a week, second time we have scored four goals in a week.

“Good for lots of reasons tonight, confidence certainly and very nice to keep a clean sheet again for the second time in a few days.

“That’s a first win at home this season and its good to get it on the board at the start of an important week for us.”

Shrimps boss Jim Bentley reflected on a difficult night for his side, who after a bright start, saw Albion dominate and go on to record a comfortable victory.

“A very tough night. We know they (Burton) are a good footballing side and we saw that tonight,” he said.

“We came with a side that we thought could hurt them with set plays and we end up getting done twice by set plays from them.

“We came with a mindset to get into the next round and started very brightly with Lewis Alessandra having a fantastic chance after a minute or so.

“Goals change games and if we score that then who knows. Credit where credit is due. The lad Boyce up front was brilliant at getting hold of the ball and the lad (Stephen) Quinn in the middle of the park is one of the best players that I have seen live. He just didn’t give the ball away.”