Clough relieved after Burton edge to victory over 10-man Bolton

Posted Thursday, January 02, 2020 by PA

Nigel Clough admitted Burton’s opening Sky Bet League One win of 2020 was nervier than it should have been.

Lucas Akins netted the 50th and 51st league goals of his career as Albion came from 2-0 down after 10 minutes to beat 10-man Bolton 4-3.

Substitute Liam Boyce’s fourth goal in as many games finally sealed the points nine minutes from time.

But a man down after Luke Murphy’s 49th-minute red card, Wanderers were thrown a lifeline with Dennis Politic’s even later strike.

“We are very pleased with the three points and every bit of the game outside the first 10 minutes and the last 10 minutes,” said Clough.

“In those short periods we could have lost the game. Once we got the fourth goal we were almost there but then we faced some anxious moments.

“We have got to show more composure and more thought with our play.

“We like the three points and love the fact we scored four goals. But we would like to make it more comfortable for ourselves and supporters in the last five minutes.”

Top scorer Boyce has been linked with Scottish Premiership strugglers Hearts but Clough said: “We have had interest for Liam from a few clubs already in the build-up to the window opening.

“He (Boyce) and Scott Fraser are the two we are in the process of trying to sort out contract offers for in the next few days.

“We are mindful both are on a free in the summer. If they sign new deals, brilliant, if they don’t then we will look at offers.

“We want to try and keep them if we can but we are mindful of the limitations we have in trying to do that.”

Wanderers boss Keith Hill, who saw Joe Dodoo and Daryl Murphy sweep his team ahead, said: “I was happy at being 2-0 up but not happy with the flow of the game and the individual defensive mistakes.

“You can show and warn and provide evidence of what opponents do. But the naivety of how we defended one v ones in our own box was the reason why we lost.

“Even when down to 10 men, their fourth goal was bad from every aspect of defending space and not defending opponents. We didn’t get the balance right.

“Players know themselves they have got to be better in those situations. If they are then we avoid conceding four goals like we have done.”

On Murphy’s dismissal Hill said: “I think there was a big reaction that got him sent him off. But I want players who are brave and I want them to commit.”