Satisfaction for Jimmy as Brewers wear down opponents
BURTON Albion’s new-found ability to wear opponents down and finish them off late in games is pleasing Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink – but the manager is allowing himself no time at all for satisfaction.
The Brewers made it five wins from seven and have a 100% record from four games on the road since Hasselbaink’s arrival and following Saturday’s 2-0 win away to Rochdale.
As they had against Northampton Town, Burton slowly got on top and scored twice in the final third of the game.
“I don’t think there was a lot in the first half,” said Hasselbaink.
“Their goalkeeper made a very good save from Tom Hamer’s shot but, overall, there was not a lot in it. That’s normal in the first half, because we’re both fighting for points.
“They made it hard for us, putting two big men up front.
“But in the second half I think we were the better team, especially when we made two substitutions.
“Then you could see there was a lot of difference in legs and we went up two notches.
“I think it’s important that you can. Legs are very important, especially when you work hard: can you maintain it?
“We have to wear teams down. Believe me, I would like us to score in the first five minutes or 15 minutes and cruise through games but it’s not easy to break teams down.
“They have good players and good organisation too, so sometimes it takes a little bit longer.
“You have to stay at it, keep on going and not take no for an answer. We did that.
“It helps that the players are getting rewarded for their hard work. It gives them the belief that they will get the reward.”
Hasselbaink had started with
Tuesday’s goalscoring heroes, Michael Fondop and Danny Rowe, in forward roles but neither got much change from the Rochdale defence and the manager watched only 11 minutes of the second half before replacing them with Kane Hemmings and Joe Powell.
Both made a difference and Hemmings broke the deadlock nine minutes after coming on, scoring when Michael Bostwick flicked on Tom Hamer’s long throw.
It was the first big result of Hamer’s throws, which Burton are using reguarly, sending Bostwick up to try to get on the end of them.
“We have it at our disposal, so why not use it?” said Hasselbaink.
“It’s a big weapon and I think we could have scored another one from it. It gives us a big opportunity to put pressure in the opponents’ box.”
Lucas Akins then sealed the points with a fine strike four minutes from time, his first goal since December.
“Even though you are playing against 10 men, it still isn’t easy at 1-0. They are going to put a lot of balls forward and you never know,” said Hasselbaink.
“But for Lucas to make it 2-0 did settle the team down and you’re very close to winning the game then. Lucas was due a goal.
“I’m massively happy with the defence. It’s so important to be able to go away and get clean sheets, it gives you a chance of winning.
“The back four were immense, which meant the goalkeeper didn’t have to make any saves.”
The result lifted Burton from the bottom of the League One table but the manager’s response to that was to be expected.
“I have not looked at the League table, no word of a lie,” he said.
“I know it’s important but I don’t really want to concentrate on it because there is so much more work ahead.
“As hard as it is – and I know you have to ask – but we have done nothing yet and we need to stay focused.”