ALDERSHOT 0, BURTON ALBION 2

BURTON Albion, who thrashed Aldershot 6-1 in December, completed a notable double on Saturday to move within six points of the play-off zone with their fourth away win since the turn of the year.

It was Help for Heroes day as the teams did their bit to support members of the armed forced, but there were few heroes amongst the Aldershot ranks as they succumbed tamely to two goals from corner-kicks inside the first half-hour.

Coming on the back of two gritty 1-0 wins, it was hard to take for the Aldershot fans who see the EBB Stadium as a fortress. This was only Aldershot's third defeat of the season at home and called their play-off credentials into serious question.

Kevin Dillon's side should have been thirsting for revenge after their hiding at the Pirelli Stadium. Instead, they conceded the lead on nine minutes after the Brewers' first real attack had forced a corner.

Cleveland Taylor's well-placed kick found 18-year-old Tom Parkes rising high to head past Steve Henderson.

Aldershot had a quick chance for an equaliser when Kirk Hudson released Danny Hylton whose shot brought an excellent diving parry from Polish keeper Artur Krysiak.

Thereafter, Albion dominated the match in midfield, with John McGrath having a captain's game for the visitors.

It was McGrath's corner that led to Albion doubling their lead in the 26th minute. Again, the home defenders failed to clear their lines and Tony James knocked the ball back in for Steve Kabba to get the final touch, leaving the Shots with a mountain to climb.

Marlon Jackson and Damian Spencer came on for Hudson and Oliver Bozanic as manager Dillon tried to shake his side out of their malaise, but although Aldershot's general play improved, they seldom looked like breaching Burton's well-organised defence.

Indeed, Russell Penn, Taylor and Jacques Maghoma all went close to extending Albion's lead, before Aldershot at last began to apply some sustained pressure.

Spencer and Hylton just failed to get on the end of a dangerous free-kick. Then Ben Harding headed inches wide from a Scott Donnelly corner.

In injury time, Omer Riza, Aldershot's third substitute, struck a fierce angled shot that Krysiak did well to beat away. But a goal then would have been a mere consolation for Aldershot who were well beaten on the day.

"We got absolutely bullied in midfield," said Kevin Dillon. "I wish I had their two midfielders – they were terrific.

"Danny Hylton and Andy Sandell were our only two who had an appetite for the fight. I asked for a reaction at half-time, and I didn't get it.

"We conceded two goals from set pieces and I feel we stood off them. At half-time I could have taken any one of nine players off. We didn't deserve anything."

Aldershot: Henderson, Herd, Straker, Blackburn, Charles, Hylton, Donnelly, Hudson (Spencer 46), Harding, Bozanic (Jackson 46), Sandell (Riza 57). Subs (not used): Jaimez-Ruiz, Soares, Howell. Booked: Herd, Blackburn, Hylton, Straker.

Burton: Krysiak, Corbett, James, Parkes, Boertien, Taylor (Gilroy 82), Penn, McGrath, Maghoma (Boco 69), Harrad (Pearson 63), Kabba. Subs (not used): Poole, Walker, Phillips, Knowles. Booked: Taylor, Kabba.

Referee: Roger East (Wiltshire).

Attendance: 2,784.