Lucas Akins on the spot as Burton earn first victory against Fulham

Posted Sunday, September 17, 2017 by PA

Lucas Akins' 51st minute penalty proved to be the difference as Burton Albion secured a first ever victory over Fulham with a 2-1 home success.

Akins fired home after defender Kyle McFadzean had been dragged down by Fulham skipper Kevin McDonald and referee Stephen Martin had pointed to the spot. It proved to be the winner despite Fulham dominating most of the second half but finding themselves unable to breach the Burton defence for a second time in the game.

Burton grabbed a 12th minute lead when Stephen Warnock netted his first goal in just over three years. The pace of Sean Scannell got him in behind the Fulham defence and although Marvin Sordell was crowded out, latching onto the Scannell's pass the ball fell kindly for Warnock to roll it into the empty net.

Oliver Norwood's equaliser just after the half hour came after the visitors had worked several chances in and around the Burton box but having failed with the intricate passing route to goal. A deflected pass set the midfielder up for a 25-yard effort that flew into the bottom corner of Stephen Bywater's net.

Fulham started well with Neeskens Kebano and Ryan Sessegnon going close early on until they found themselves behind. Searching for an equaliser a golden chance went begging when Stefan Johansen set up Norwood who scooped a more than presentable chance over the bar.

Jamie Allen, on his home debut for Burton, saw a 20-yard shot come back off the inside of the post and John Brayford, returning for a third spell at the Pirelli Stadium, tested David Button as Burton looked to go back in front.

Liverpool loanee Sheyi Ojo thought he had won a penalty as 40 minutes as he went down after knocking the ball past Bywater but referee Martin was not impressed and showed the youngster a yellow card for simulation.

Albion's bright start to the second period was rewarded with the lead via Akins' first league goal of the campaign before Fulham appeals for a spot kick were waved away when Ben Turner was stronger than Floyd Ayite trying to meet a low cross.

Fulham began to dominate as Albion found it hard to generate any real forward momentum with defender Ryan Fredericks denied by a superb tackle from Warnock inside the box.

Desperate for an equaliser Fulham camped themselves in and around the Burton box for a sustained spell with Burton defenders throwing themselves at everything. They were powerless though when Sessegnon picked out Ojo and his rising drive came back back off the crossbar.

Burton dealt with all the late pressure from the Cottagers to hang on for the three points to move them four points clear of the relegation places.