A lot has happened in the recent weeks and months that I have failed to attend fixtures at the Pirelli stadium, in fact the last game involving Burton that I went to was new years eve away at Morecambe resulting in a 2-2 draw, something that of late the Brewer's could only dream of. It's been a 2012 to forget for Albion as since the turn of the year what was play-off form and real talk of the club breaking into League One has turned into a managerial sacking and no victories since 2011. Paul Peschisolido was relieved of his duties after a humiliating 4-1 home defeat to Torquay on saturday, capping a horrendous run of six straight defeats and even the most patient chairman in the land finally had to concede it was time for a change.
Gary Rowett is the man in charge for the time being, a favourite of mine during his time in the latter O'Neill years at Leicester and also Derby County supporters are quite fond of him, but we'll keep that between you and I. Rowett's first decision proved popular pre-match as goalkeeper Adam Legzdins, sold in the summer to Derby County, was brought in on loan to take pressure off Ross Atkins and to add much needed stability and command to the back four. Greg Pearson was also recalled from his loan spell with Crewe with the Brewer's desperately short on attacking options.
A hardy away support in terms of numbers travelled up the M1 from Northampton with the away end looking rather busy for a Tuesday night, this after all was a big game for the cobbler's. Thing's didn't get off to a great start with the P.A system muffled and slurred, either than or the announcer had been on the famous tour of the Molson Coor's brewery in town pre-match.
Albion lined up with a mish-mash of a side due to injuries, youngster Jack Dyer being the only natural central midfield player in the side with Jacques Maghoma partnering alongside in the middle. New addition Lionel Ainsworth began on the right with the returning Pearson partnering Justin Richards in attack.
Northampton came out of the blocks looking the more confident and with good reason having only lost one of their last four, Michael Jacob's wasted no time in introducing himself to Andy Corbett on the left flank as time and again he left the Albion full back in his wake but thankfully producing little by way of end product. The first half in truth was a rather scrappy affair with both teams looking not to concede rather than go and attack, 0-0 at the interval and just enough time for some muffled and slurred half-time scores.
Burton were clearly lacking in confidence and, in some areas, effort. I don't wish to start a witch hunt but a pet hate of mine is players with all the speed in the world and genuine skill but either a) do not use it or b) cannot be arsed to use it as Burton's wide men demonstrated to a tee, Cleveland Taylor constantly looking at the referee for help with ridiculous appeals for obstruction after yet another heavy touch and Ainsworth looking disinterested and a shadow of the player he was in his Watford days.
Legzdins proved useful on numerous occasions with crucial saves and providing a commanding presence to his defenders who continued to slice clearances and look nervous. The fan's on the night were superb though, a 12th man was needed and the Burton support didn't disappoint, particular respect goes to the lad's in the popular side stand who were vocal all game and a credit to the club. Sadly with 0-0 looking a reality and very much a case of 'point gained' mentality crept in, the unthinkable happened. The Cobbler's managed to scramble in a stoppage time winner which led to scenes of jubilation in the away end.
Dejected Albion supporters left in their droves with barely enough time to get the ball down the other end and with no recognised strikers left on the pitch in a 4-5-1 formation it was the same story all over again, Burton defeated and Northampton victorious and in truth, they deserved it, just. The focus now needs to be on finding and appointing the right man for the job, many have been touted and why not? Its a fantastic club with a lot of potential and the foundations of a good squad, however for now, Peschisolido's ghost lingers around the place and the hoodoo remains.
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