Gary Bowyer hails Burton’s mentality in win over Huddersfield

Burton head coach Gary Bowyer praised his side’s psychological strength as they got back to winning ways in League One with a resounding 3-1 victory over Huddersfield.

Albion got off to a brilliant start with Terence Vancooten heading home after just four minutes from Dylan Williams’ free-kick and although Town equalised through Alfie May midway through the first period, Albion hit back in the second half with clinical strikes from Jake Beesley and substitute JJ McKiernan.

“We started the game very well,” said Bowyer. “We work hard on set-pieces and we have challenged the players to score more of them. It played a massive part in keeping us up last year and got us off to a great start today.”

After going into half-time level following May’s equaliser, Huddersfield began the second half the stronger but had no response once Beesley thundered home his eighth of the season.

“We asked them to be more aggressive in the second half and to show a bit more quality in the final third and they went out and did that,” Bowyer added.

“Jake Beesley’s goal, our second, is just such a wonderful strike and shows yet again how valuable he is to us. I don’t have enough words left to say how I really feel about him. He is a top pro.”

Substitute Julian Larsson squandered a one-on-one with keeper Lee Nicholls which could have proved costly, but Bowyer praised the resilience of his side to go on and secure the win.

He said: “We had a great chance through Larsson to go 3-1 and psychologically we didn’t go under from that, and I was delighted he then had the composure to unselfishly set up JJ and that is two in two for him now which will do him the world of good.”

Huddersfield boss Lee Grant felt that side were masters of their own downfall as they failed to push on after May had cancelled out Vancooten’s opener.

“We created moments today, but we didn’t take them,” he said.

“There has to be more from within, spirit, collective energy and character to go and take that game and put a side that we know we can be better than to the sword.

“For me it comes down to the fight and the duels. Winning the second balls and the spirit, and if we don’t get that right any game can be difficult and today is a case in point.

“There isn’t enough collective will and intent from within and that’s not good enough for the stage we are in.

“I look at Burton and they stayed together; they showed character and belief despite us dominating the ball and they stayed ready for their big moments and took them.”