Resolute young Brewers hang on and go through from the spot

(Burton Albion won 5-4 on penalties)

- By COLSTON CRAWFORD

BURTON Albion went through to the second round of the Carabao Cup on penalties after their young side fought a tremendous rearguard action to keep Tranmere Rovers at bay in the second half.

The Brewers had opened the scoring in the 10th minute but been pegged back by halftime.

The defending was fierce as they held on for a 1-1 draw.

Ben Whitfield had Burton's first penalty saved after Tranmere went ahead and scored their first three.

Sebastian Revan and Julian Larsson kept Burton in it then Billy Blacker hit the post for Rovers - but Fabio Tavares hit his kick against the bar.

Crucially, Kamil Dudek saved the next Tranmere penalty, from Lee O'Connor.

Dylan Williams equalised, Rovers scored, then Nick Akoto equalised at 4-4.

The first sudden death spot-kick was put wide by Josh Davison and Finn Delap, with the chance to win it, smashed his kick high into the net to start the celebrations.

This time there were 10, rather than 11, changes to the team which started on Saturday, with Finn Delap being asked to go again, although he only had 45 minutes against Port Vale. The only change to the team named for last Tuesday's postponed tie was that Jason Sraha dropped out, being replaced by Dylan Williams, and Julian Larsson was named captain this time. Another academy player, Bodi Thistleton, was on the bench, where Burton this time had the full permitted complement of nine and named Harry Isted, rather than Jordan Amissah, as backup goalkeeper.

Tranmere retained five of the starters who drew 1-1 with Gillingham on Saturday and nine of the team who would have started last week against Burton.