Match ends, Cambridge United 2, Burton Albion 3.
CambridgeCambridge United2BurtonBurton Albion3
Ten-man Burton Albion secured the League Two title with a superb comeback victory at lowly Cambridge United.
The Brewers, knowing a win would ensure top spot irrespective of how second-placed Shrewsbury fared, led through Stuart Beavon's header but Tom Elliott headed the hosts level.
Robbie Simpson's penalty put the U's ahead after Harrison Dunk was fouled by goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin, who saw red.
But a stunning Phil Edwards strike made it 2-2 and Kevin Stewart's shot won it.
Nearly 1,900 Brewers fans celebrated a thrilling victory in style, but they seemed to be celebrating almost from the off after hearing Shrewsbury trailed to a third-minute goal at home to Plymouth.
As it transpired, Burton boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink would have led his side to the title even had they lost, something that seemed likely when their 10 men trailed 2-1 with 20 minutes left.
| Away-day success |
|---|
| Burton Albion lost only twice in their last 15 away matches on their way to becoming League Two champions and managed a total of 12 league wins away from the Pirelli Stadium. |
It had started well for the side already assured of promotion to League One for the first time in history, with Beavon's clever header from Damien McCrory's fine left-wing cross deservedly putting them ahead.
But Elliott headed the hosts level on 25 minutes and the U's began to get on top after the interval, as Simpson, Liam Hughes, Tom Champion and Sullay Kaikai all had chances.
And the pressure told when a poor header by George Taft led to McLaughlin bringing down Dunk and Simpson just about beat replacement keeper Scott Shearer from the penalty spot.
However, the Brewers regrouped and right-back Edwards equalised with a stunning 30-yard strike.
Stewart then sent the travelling support crazy with two minutes left, hitting an unlikely winner with a fine left-footed shot.
Line-ups
Cambridge
Formation 4-4-2
- 13Norris
- 2Tait
- 4Coulson
- 18Nelson
- 3Taylor
- 31Kaikai
- 8ChampionSubstituted forMorrisseyat 87'minutes
- 17Hughes
- 11Dunk
- 10ElliottSubstituted forBirdat 85'minutes
- 15Simpson
Substitutes
- 9Slew
- 14Hunt
- 23Morrissey
- 25Mendez-Laing
- 27Taylor
- 29Horne
- 32Bird
Burton
Formation 4-4-2
- 1McLaughlinBooked at 67mins
- 2Edwards
- 4MousinhoBooked at 69mins
- 3Cansdell-SherriffSubstituted forTaftat 45'minutesBooked at 55mins
- 14McCroryBooked at 86mins
- 10Akins
- 8WeirSubstituted forShearerat 69'minutes
- 15Naylor
- 21El Khayati
- 9Beavon
- 20McGurkSubstituted forStewartat 64'minutes
Substitutes
- 5Taft
- 11Stewart
- 23Palmer
- 27Harness
- 31Maynard
- 33Shearer
- 36Johnstone
- Referee:
- Oliver Langford
- Attendance:
- 7,109
Match Stats
Home TeamCambridgeAway TeamBurton
- Possession
- Home51%
- Away49%
- Shots
- Home11
- Away11
- Shots on Target
- Home4
- Away5
- Corners
- Home4
- Away5
- Fouls
- Home11
- Away11
Live Text
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Full Time
Second Half ends, Cambridge United 2, Burton Albion 3.
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Foul by Josh Coulson (Cambridge United).
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John Mousinho (Burton Albion) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Corner, Cambridge United. Conceded by Damien McCrory.
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Hand ball by Ryan Bird (Cambridge United).
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Corner, Burton Albion. Conceded by Will Norris.
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Attempt blocked. Kevin Stewart (Burton Albion) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.
Goal!
Goal! Cambridge United 2, Burton Albion 3. Kevin Stewart (Burton Albion) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal.
Substitution
Substitution, Cambridge United. Gearoid Morrissey replaces Tom Champion.
Booking
Damien McCrory (Burton Albion) is shown the yellow card.
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Harrison Dunk (Cambridge United) wins a free kick on the left wing.
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Foul by Damien McCrory (Burton Albion).
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Josh Coulson (Cambridge United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Foul by Stuart Beavon (Burton Albion).
Substitution
Substitution, Cambridge United. Ryan Bird replaces Tom Elliott.
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Corner, Burton Albion. Conceded by Will Norris.
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Attempt saved. Damien McCrory (Burton Albion) left footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner.
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Attempt missed. Liam Hughes (Cambridge United) header from the centre of the box is just a bit too high.
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Corner, Cambridge United. Conceded by Philip Edwards.