Clough banking on friends

NIGEL CLOUGH is right when he describes Burton Albion’s possible escape from relegation as a miracle, but he needs a favour from two former clubs to complete the job. Derby County and Nottingham Forest are the teams most associated with the Clough family and each can help Burton stay up on the final day by beating their relegation rivals. Barnsley, above Burton on goal difference, travel to Pride Park, while Bolton, one place below, host Forest. Burton face a tough trip to Preston, but that Clough’s side are even in this position is extraordinary. On the league’s lowest budget and with average home gates of just 4,600, Burton are operating on a different scale to the rest of the Championship. But three wins in succession, the latest in a stirring display against Bolton, have put safety in sight. ‘It is a miracle if we do it. If we don’t, winning three on the spin is all pointless,’ said Clough, who played for Forest and managed Derby. ‘We’ll need them to help us out. ‘Derby need something, at least a point against Barnsley, so that will help. All we can do is look after ourselves.’ The victory over Bolton, through goals by Hope Akpan and Lucas Akins, triggered unsavoury scenes for Phil Parkinson as supporters tried to get to the dugout. ‘I understand the fans,’ said the Bolton boss. ‘We’ve still got a chance but whatever happens I want to be able to hold my head up as manager of a team who have been fighting for their lives.’