Match Report: Youth Team - Burton Albion

A cracking game in prospect with the Notts Youth team in 7th place taking on local rivals Burton Albion who were 8th. Notts were five points behind the leaders but with a game in hand - so a win was needed to keep up with the league leaders. Back in August Burton had won the first meeting between the teams 2-0 so Notts were looking to avenge that defeat. Although cold it was a lovely sunny morning at Arnold FC's ground with Burton Albion's first team manager, Nigel Clough, in attendance.

In a keenly contested game it was Burton who took control of the game in the early stages with Notts battling hard to get into the game and it was against the run of play on 32 minutes when Notts took the lead. A high ball was dropped by the Burton keeper straight at the feet of Notts top scorer, Montel Gibson, who made no mistake despatching the ball into the empty net.

Seven minutes later Notts went further ahead when an absolutely unstoppable rocket from Kieran Blaney found the top corner of the net. There was no further scoring in the first half so the young 'Pies went to their half-time refreshment with a comfortable 2-0 lead.

The second half saw Notts facing into both the sun and the wind. Burton came out for the second half and put Notts under pressure right from the start of the game. On 51 minutes Burton forced themselves back into the game when they took advantage of a defensive error to make the score 2-1.

Six minutes later and Burton completed their comeback when a corner was headed powerfully into the net for 2-2. It looked bad for Notts as the momentum had swung completely in Burton's favour.

Once again Notts fought hard to wrestle control from Burton and on 60 minutes they regained the lead when a free kick from Jack McMillan cleared the wall and beat the 'keeper for a 3-2 lead.

Notts took control of the game once again and on 77 minutes Jordan Aghatise sealed the victory with a fourth goal for the young 'Pies slotting home in a goalmouth scramble following a corner. Notts confidently saw out the remaining time to clinch another three points in their bid to climb the table.

This was a cracking game of football to watch. It was keenly contested by both teams and the Notts lads never stopped fighting especially when Burton seemed to be getting on top coming back from 0-2 down to level at 2-2 - but Notts somehow stepped up to another gear.

Next Saturday Notts are away at Grimsby Town.

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