Nigel Clough hails patched-up Burton’s victory

Posted Sunday, September 02, 2018 by PA

Burton boss Nigel Clough was as pleased with a clean sheet for his patched-up defence as he was with the three goals that sunk AFC Wimbledon.

Only able to field one fit and experienced defender, Clough watched Stephen Quinn fire home a superb volley in the 34th minute to cap a period of dominance, before second-half strikes from David Templeton and Liam Boyce capped an excellent afternoon for the Brewers.

“We didn’t think before the game that it would end up as it did,” admitted Clough.

“Some of the situations that they had in the second half – and we got away with a few today as well – we deserved to with a patched-up team.

“With Ben Fox at right-back and Lucas Akins at centre-half, they gave absolutely everything out of position. We had an 18-year-old left back as well, so to keep a clean sheet in those circumstances is remarkable.

“We rode our luck this afternoon but we haven’t had much this season so far.”

Turning to the other end of the pitch, Clough was pleased to see a tangible reward for his forwards, who before today had only scored one in each of their games.

“The quality of our goals stood out a mile as well,” Clough continued.

“It was a lovely strike from Stephen Quinn. We can’t wait until he can get through longer in the games. The influence he has had so far has been huge.

“David Templeton was on it from the first minute. He looked a major threat for us. He has scored twice for us now and both have been right in the bottom corner.

“We have a problem hitting the target, but him and Liam Boyce consistently hit it and that is the difference.”

Neal Ardley had his birthday ruined by his side’s worst performance of the season so far.

“I’m really disappointed,” he said. “It is really frustrating because we haven’t played like that all season.

“The first half is as bad as we’ve been. We turned up with a plan but for some reason decided to play a different way. We played slow and with no tempo. The only two times we changed pace in the first half we created chances, and at 1-0 down we had two great chances.

“The second and third goals killed us when we came out to give it a right go in the second half, but it is the first time it has happened this season.

“We have lost games but had a real go and lost games when we’ve played well. Today we didn’t do a lot of things well, so we have to dust ourselves down.

“I think I’ve got a really good group who can have a good season but they need to believe that. We could have scored five today, but you can’t come away from home and defend the way we did.”