Tuesday 26th December 2000
Burton Albion 0 Stafford Rangers 0
Dr Martens League Premier Division
At: Eton Park
Kick-off: 12-00 noon
Programme: £1-50p (44 pages)
Attendance: 2501
Weather: sunny, cold
Stafford Rangers became the first side to prevent Burton Albion from scoring in a league game this season as they held the league leaders to a goalless draw before a large Bank Holiday crowd at Eton Park. The home side wasted numerous chances but a combination of inaccurate finishing, resolute defending and a crucial save by Richard Williams frustrated Nigel Clough’s men. But Rangers created the odd chance themselves and could have nicked a win.
In a pulsating first half of flowing attacking football, Burton created several good scoring opportunities. In the 6th minute, Clough crossed from the right to the near post where Christian Moore sent a bullet header inches wide then four minutes later, Clough forced Williams to make a fine diving side at close range. Just before the half hour mark Glasser headed over from seven yards and also fired a shot a couple of feet wide from the edge of the area. In between Rangers soaked up a lot of pressure and approaching on half-time could have taken the lead. Darren Middleton hit a dipping 20-yard shot which fell just over the bar and Craig Lovatt had a header blocked on the line by the book of Albion keeper Matt Duke.
The second half was quiet in terms of goalmouth action for long periods but Rangers always looking threatening. Ian Painter made good use of his three substitutions including debutant defender John Diskin on for injured Scott Dundas which forced a reshuffle at the back. Surprisingly all three of Burton’s remained on the bench.
Stafford have now gone four matches without defeat and on this showing are more than an match for any side in the Dr Martens League.
Burton Albion (yellow/black/black): 1. Matt Duke, 2. Jason Kavanagh, 3. Terry Henshaw, 4. Neil Glasser, 5. Mark Blount, 6. Darren Wassall, 7. Darren Stride, 8. Pat Lyons, 9. Christian Moore, 10. Nigel Clough, 11. Dale Anderson. Subs: 12. Andy Garner (not used), 14. David Holmes (not used), 15. Michael Forsyth (not used).
Stafford Rangers (maroon/maroon/maroon): 1. Richard Williams, 2. Leigh Everritt, 3. Steve Jones, 4. Darren Middleton, 5. Chris Brindley, 6. Darren Simkin, 7. Paul Kiely, 8. Craig Lovatt, 9. Joe O’Connor, 10. Tony Eccleston, 11. Scott Dundas. 12. Dean Craven (for Kiely, 61), 14. John Diskin (for Dundas, 67), 15. Darren Shaw (for Middleton, 84).
Referee: RC Burton (Kettering).
