Pre-match this was billed as a game which could cement our position in the top three, post-match most fans in the away end were leaving with tails between their legs after a poor performance which was bereft of any quality of note and a lack of desire especially in defence.
We started the game well with Sam Deering influential and the midfield passing the ball around neatly. The only thing lacking was a clear sight of goal. Burton were struggling to get a grip in the game but with Billy Kee and Michael Symes looking a handful up front Burton upped the pressure and we fell apart with some woeful defending.
First a simple clearance was scuffed by Hector in the box and Burton gladly took advantage to go in front aided by a big deflection past Brown. Before we had a chance to settle we were further behind. A quick break and superb cross found an unmarked Weir who planted a perfect header past Brown. At that stage we were chasing shadows and the Burton midfield were running past us at will, half time couldn't come soon enough.
It was no surprise to see two substitutes at half-time but with Jason Taylor and Russ Penn getting hauled off it left us exposed in the middle of the pitch and that was shown as Darren Carter gave the ball away cheaply right at the start of the half and a swift break later we were 3-0 down.
Damage limitation was looking like the best bet at that stage but we kept going forward with Harrison in particular showing some neat touches and good link up play. It was only fitting for him to get his first goal for the club with a glancing header in injury time.
It was a bad day at the office and with five of the top seven still to play, performances like this will see us fade away.
OUT OF TEN:
Brown 6 - Could do nothing about the goals and totally exposed by the defence.
Lowe 5 - Very under par performance and his place in the side must be under serious threat.
Jones 6 - The best of a bad bunch at the back today
Elliott 5 - A day he'll want to forget. Ran ragged by Billy Kee
Hector 5 - Lost all composure and a very poor clearance lead to the first goal
Taylor 5 - Started well but not effective enough and hauled off at half time
Penn 5 - ditto Taylor
Carter 5 - Did very little and sloppy in possession which cost us the third goal.
Pack 6 - Tried to get us going in the first half but quiet in the second.
Deering 7 - Bags of energy and commitment, needs to improve his final ball.
Benson 6 - Very little service and never threatened the goal.
Subs
Harrison 7 - Only positive from the day, first goal for the club and can be very pleased with his own performance.
McGlashan 6 - One snap shot which was cleared off the line but still needs to improve on his end product.
Mohamed 6 - Good corner for the goal but not on long enough to make a telling impact.
