Burton really should have sewn up this title weeks ago.
Monday was typical of their recent form, they went to Kidderminster – led 1-0 at half time which obviously was enough to win them the league – then they went to 1-1 which was still enough but then Kidderminster’s winner stole the title from their hands with 10 minutes left.
Now it all comes down to tonight’s game against Oxford, the in-form team in The Blue Square Premier, who have only lost twice in 21 games under Chris Wilde. Oxford come to The Pirelli Stadium tonight with an outside chance of reaching the play-offs.
Oxford simply have to win, which is the worst thing for Burton who only need to avoid defeat to play in the Football League for the first time in their history.
If they DO LOSE tonight, it all comes down to Cambridge’s match on Saturday, Burton could win the league tomorrow without a ball being kicked if Cambridge don’t beat Salisbury.
If Cambridge win that then it comes down to the last day of the season, a day of huge drama where Burton would need to avoid defeat at Torquay – who might still need something to secure a play-off place, while Cambridge play Altrincham.
Plainmoor would be one tough place for Burton to win the title, while Altrincham will have nothing to play for against Cambridge. Plus there would be a goal difference issue to become embroiled in…it’s just not what Burton want.
Burton won’t want any of those nerves, they’ll want it finished against Oxford in what is the biggest game in the club’s history since they met Manchester United in the FA Cup a few seasons back.
They’ve led the league since November, they’ve had a 19-point lead at one stage, a 15-point lead when Nigel Clough left in January – but now that lead has been whittled down so this is a big big game tonight.
Oxford are flying, they’ve come from nowhere and now they’re looking at the play-offs. The away team need to win the game, the home team don’t. Whether that will help Burton I don’t know…but they’ll desperately want to do it before the last game of the season.
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