Party at Pirelli as five-star Burton serve up a Boxing Day treat for fans

BURTON Albion brought Boxing Day cheer to supporters and a belated Christmas present with a brilliant win over Northampton Town.

- By DAN NEWBOULD

Jake Beesley celebrates scoring the opening goal

After a day of eating turkey and the trimmings, watching films and playing board games, fans packed out the Pirelli for the traditional festive fixture - and the players did not disappoint.

Gary Bowyer elected to stick with the team that went to high-flying Stevenage and played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the Brewers' final away fixture of 2025 last weekend, while young Sulyman Krubally returned to the bench after overcoming a battle with illness.

Albion made the perfect start and got their rewards when Kyran Lofthouse robbed Nesta Guinness-Walker of possession in the box and was upended.

At first, there was an element of confusion inside the stadium around what the referee had actually given and whether it was a free kick or a penalty, but replays showed it was clearly inside the area and therefore a stonewall spot-kick.

Captain Jake Beesley stepped up and smashed it down the middle into the top corner to give the goalkeeper absolutely no chance.

You will struggle to find a more composed, unnerved finish in front of goal, and indeed a more blatant penalty, across the country.

Confidence was flowing through the Brewers as the persistent pressure continued, including several corners and throw-ins, but Terence Vancooten's header went straight at the goalkeeper.

Kegs Chauke was having a solid game in the middle of the park and Tyrese Shade was like a bee buzzing around on both flanks in attack.