Burton boss Gary Bowyer remains grounded as his side moved to the brink of League One safety and relegated Cambridge with a last gasp 2-1 victory.
Dylan Williams bagged his first league goal in added on time to push the Brewers to within a point of safety although their superior goal difference over Crawley and Bristol Rovers makes them overwhelming favourites to survive.
“It was a win that symbolises this squad.” Bowyer began. “Dylan Williams hasn’t played many games for us and has been sub for a long time and it is a great example of the togetherness of this group.”
A nervy first half finished with red cards for both sides with Cambridge substitute Ryan Loft shown a straight red for lashing out at Albion’s Udoka Godwin-Malife whilst Burton’s JJ McKiernan picked up a second yellow for his aerial challenge on U’s keeper Jack Stevens.
Icelandic striker Jon Dadi Bodvarsson put Albion in front in the opening moments of the second half with his fifth goal of the season before Elias Kachunga briefly raised hopes of a Cambridge turnaround with a late equaliser.
“It wasn’t the greatest of games.” Bowyer admitted. “Bodvarsson scores a wonderful goal after a crazy couple of minutes at the end of the first half. I am not sure how Dylan has put that one in but fair to say we are all delighted to see it go in.”
Perhaps crucially, Albion have a game in hand on their rivals, a home game against Wigan on Tuesday and Bowyer was at pains to emphasise that the job is not finished.
“We haven’t done anything yet. It’s a big word – almost. It is my job to make sure we go ab out these next two games properly. Mathematically it is not done and until it is we have to keep going.”
For Cambridge boss Neil Harris, who only returned to the club in February, defeat confirmed their relegation back to League Two.
“I am disappointed for the football club and the fanbase and it is important that I apologise for a disappointing season,” he said.
“You get relegated for a reason.” Harris said bluntly. “Usually, it is because you haven’t been good enough over the course of a season. Today summed that up.
“We had the best chances but didn’t take enough. Didn’t defend our goal well enough and gave a way cheap and sloppy goals because we are not good enough defensively and that sums up the season and the red card is farcical really.
“You rely on players as a manager, and I can’t trust the players. We changed our shape at the start of the second half but then concede. We can’t run, so can’t defend 1 v 1 and we are not good enough in the final third to have that killer instinct so what chance have we got?”
