Gillingham 0 - 3 Burton Albion FC: Leaders Burton win at a canter

Posted Sunday, December 13, 2015 by PA

Burton extended their advantage at the top of League One by winning 3-0 at 10-man Gillingham.

In the absence of new manager Nigel Clough, who missed the game owing to a prior commitment, defender Damien McCrory opened the scoring with a 59th-minute strike from 20 yards.

Substitute Lucas Akins sealed their victory in stoppage-time, slotting home from close range, before Anthony O'Connor added a third following an incisive break.

Albion were the better team throughout and wasted several chances in the opening half. Callum Butcher shot straight at Gills goalkeeper Stuart Nelson from close range, while Mark Duffy and Tom Naylor both missed the target twice.

The Gills, who were unbeaten at home in the league this season prior to kick-off and had won all four previous meetings between the two sides in Kent, had captain Doug Loft sent off for two bookings after 37 minutes.

On-loan striker Dominic Samuel hit the bar four minutes after McCrory's opener with a wind-assisted effort, having previously tested Albion goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin from close range.

And Burton kept the hosts at arm's length before finishing with a flourish.