Burton beat Bristol Rovers to ease relegation fears

Relegation-battling Burton secured their first away league win since October by beating Bristol Rovers 2-1 at the Memorial Stadium.

Goals from Ciaran Gilligan and Mark Helm were enough to move the Brewers five points clear of the League One relegation zone.

Ciaran Gilligan put the visitors ahead two minutes before half-time with his first senior goal. The Albion academy product’s looping shot beat Gas goalkeeper Jed Ward.

Martin Paterson’s side strengthened their grip on the contest in the 57th minute when midfielder Helm coolly drove a shot beyond Ward following good work by Crystal Palace loanee Ademola Ola-Adebomi.

That sparked the hosts into life and Rovers skipper Antony Evans gave his side hope on the hour mark when he beat goalkeeper Max Crocombe with low shot from outside the penalty box after being teed up by substitute Jevani Brown.

Evans went close to equalising with a long-range effort but the Albion defence looked comfortable as they saw the game out and the contest ended with Rovers fans booing Matt Taylor’s side.