Ten-man Burton claim much-needed win at Stevenage in fight for survival

Ten-man Burton claimed a huge three points as they recorded a narrow 1-0 League One victory at Stevenage to move to within two points of safety.

Charlie Webster was on target with the goal on the stroke of half-time after receiving a pass from Rumarn Burrell inside the box and firing the ball through the legs of Lewis Freestone and into the corner.

The visitors should have been ahead after 13 minutes but somehow hit the crossbar twice in the space of 30 seconds.

JJ McKiernan and Jon Bodvarsson hit the woodwork, the first with a header, the second with a prod from six yards out.

Stevenage had their own chances that included a header from Carl Piergianni, but goalkeeper Max Crocombe was not needed to make a definitive save.

Then came the second half and all the drama but crucially for Albion, no further goals.

Ten minutes into the second half, Terence Vancooten fouled Stevenage striker Jamie Reid inside the box, although his resulting penalty was sent high over the crossbar.

Vancooten’s miserable return to the Lamex was capped a minute later when he brought down Reid again and this time – as last man – he saw red.

But Burton defended superbly after that and, bar a couple of scares, they were good value for the win.