Doug Shulman's introduction to Burton Albion.

The Pirelli Stadium will be the setting for our crucial Play-Off semi-final first leg encounter with Burton Albion this evening, and with almost 1,600 U's fans making the trip an electric atmosphere is likely to ensue.

The Brewers' form has undulated somewhat during the seasonal run-in with three wins and four defeats in their past eight games, but Jimmy Quinn will be aware that he can not use this as an accurate barometer going into the match, and must ensure the U's are fully prepared for the battle ahead.

Albion's plush Staffordshire surroundings have been home since 2005 and, as well as boasting revenue-making facilities such as conference and banqueting suites, a new training pitch and restaurant were also included in the build, whilst a hotel is encompassed within the project's second phase. The Pirelli Stadium was built to a cost of £6.8m and has a capacity of 6,068.

Clough joined The Brewers in September 1998 hoping to re-inflate their moderate 80s success under Neil Warnock and Brian Fidler. Fortunes gradually turned Burton's way thanks to two minor cup competition wins, although promotion to the Conference was the priority.

Then, following two seasons as Dr. Martens Premier League runners-up, they enjoyed the most successful campaign in their history.

After geographical restructuring they commenced the 2001/02 season ensconced in the Unibond Premier League and duly took it by storm. They hit top spot in September and were never removed, taking the title after scoring a whopping 106 goals.

Conference Debut

In the three campaigns following their promotion the Brewers struggled to finish beyond the bottom half of the Conference but, with their move to the Pirelli Stadium imminent, optimism had started to build for the 2005/06 season. Furthermore, Clough's squad was boosted by the acquisition of midfield dynamo Keith Gilroy and former U's legend Gary Rowett, who was coaxed out of retirement to bolster the back-line.

Nevertheless, they opened the campaign poorly and, with only two wins in the opening ten matches, Albion were rooted to the foot of the table and pressure was surprisingly building on the Brewers favourite Son. Thankfully for him, though, splendid form in the second-half of the season propelled his side to a conclusive ninth place finish, whilst eight away wins were only rivalled by the top three. The club also enjoyed two FA Cup encounters with Manchester United, catapulting them into the national spotlight.

Last Season

Clough did not tamper with his squad too much last season, although the shrewd capture of goalkeeper Kevin Poole, allied with Rowett's equal Premiership experience, ensured a moderately solid defence during the campaign.

The sturdy figure of Lee Fowler ran the engine-room admirably with current U's midfielder Paul Carden (above, playing for United against Burton this season), whilst the aforementioned Gilroy supplied plentiful crosses for Daryl Clare, who subsequently snapped up seventeen campaign goals.

Five games passed before an away win arrived, whilst the home crowd had to wait until mid-September for a first home success, which arrived in the shape of a 2-1 victory over our Mighty U's. Six wins and three draws followed, elevating Albion into fourth spot, but frustrating inconsistency ensued after Xmas, with Clough's charges losing an unacceptable ten League matches which ultimately cost them a play-off place.

This season

This season has been one of improved solidity. The Brewers have triumphed in fifteen of their twenty-three home games, against a backdrop of five defeats, with the travelling fans witnessing eight victories and just six losses. Amongst the victims of those away day wins are Torquay and, impressively, Exeter, who were handed a 4-1 thumping, whilst draws have been gained at Stevenage and the Abbey.

The home faithful have seen a defeat against the U's but, with both Aldershot and Torquay leaving with tails between their legs, Albion have proved they have a healthy record over the top four sides. Furthermore, a statistic worth noting for next Tuesday's home leg is that the Brewers have conceded a measly twenty-five goals on the road; a record only bettered by the Mighty U's and Grays Athletic.

Moreover, the consistency of the evergreen Poole and his understudy Saul Deeney, his defenders Aaron Webster, Andy Corbett and talented youngster John Brayford contributed to their away loss column remarkably not being tainted until the end of January and a 2-1 reverse at Ebbsfleet; their first League loss in over two months.

The February capture of Rotherham loanee Paul Hurst initially bolstered the back-line further but, unfortunate exits in the FA Trophy and Setanta Shield as well as the aforementioned undulating seasonal run in has surely dampened spirits somewhat. The last seven League games have also seen fourteen goals conceded, including a quartet in the 4-4 draw with Exeter last Saturday and the surprising 4-1 hammering at Kidderminster two weeks ago.

Attacking Prowess

Nevertheless, the attacking prowess of Daryl Clare is a threat United should be very mindful of, as his nineteen League goals will testify, whilst his partnership with talented youngster Shaun Harrad has proved fruitful and the 23-year has bagged a further sixteen. Their ammunition is generally supplied by Keith Gilroy and former Republic of Ireland U-21 international John McGrath, although the pair have also weighed in with a collective ten goals of their own.

If United can pierce a sometimes fragile defence they could make headway going into the second leg next Tuesday but, if not, the Brewers' may punish the U's with their lively front-line. The Play-offs are also about character and the will to win, so Quinn will be fine-tuning his squad physically and psychologically with the aim of delivering to the long-suffering U's fans what is arguably deserved.

Doug Shulman

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