Burton Albion's promising start to the League One season hit a significant setback with a 3-0 defeat away to Oxford United on Saturday. The loss at the Kassam Stadium ended a four-match unbeaten run for Gary Bowyer's side and saw them drop to 11th place in the table with eight points from six games.
Missed chances prove costly
Before Oxford broke the deadlock, the Brewers created several clear opportunities. Simon Eastwood, the Burton goalkeeper, made key saves with his legs to deny William Collar in the first half and later turned aside a Charlie Webster effort bound for the top corner. Raphael Borges Rodrigues also shot just wide following a powerful run from Kyran Lofthouse. The failure to convert those chances proved expensive as the game entered its final quarter.
Oxford's late surge
Siriki Dembele finally gave Oxford the lead in the 76th minute, finishing from seven yards after an assist from 18-year-old Mo Missanga. Peter Kioso then hit the crossbar for the hosts as Burton's defence came under increasing pressure. The result was sealed in the final minutes, with Louie Sibley scoring a 20-yard left-footed strike in the 90th minute before Gatlin O'Donkor added a third in added time.
Manager Gary Bowyer acknowledged his team's fighting spirit despite the scoreline. "I was particularly pleased with the side’s determination to fight their way back into the game," Bowyer said. "I praised their refusal to give up and their willingness to battle until the final whistle."
The defeat leaves Burton five points behind league leaders Sheffield Wednesday. They must now regroup quickly for their next fixture, a home match against 17th-placed Mansfield Town on 19 September.
