Burton Albion FC 3 : 0 Accrington Stanley - Brewers open up three-point gap

Posted Sunday, March 15, 2015 by PA

Burton moved three points clear at the top of Sky Bet League Two after a 3-0 win at home to hard-working Accrington.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's side rarely found top gear but goals from Damien McCrory, Stuart Beavon and Matty Palmer enabled them to avenge last month's defeat at the Store First Stadium.

Burton were indebted to goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin with 11 minutes on the clock, the Scottish stopper reacting superbly to tip the ball round a post after Kal Naismith's shot took a big deflection.

Accrington continued to show promise, but it was the Brewers who took the lead in the 27th minute when McCrory scored emphatically from the penalty spot after Rob Atkinson handled a Palmer free-kick.

Stanley rallied after the break but Sean Maguire had a header tipped wide and also missed the target after a Burton defensive mix-up.

The hosts came through a sticky patch to extend their lead when Beavon found the bottom corner from 15 yards after good work by Adam McGurk.

And Palmer sealed the victory with a terrific finish from the edge of the box five minutes from the end.