Burton 2-1 Halifax

Nigel Clough's Burton Albion clinched third place on the Blue Square Premier on Tuesday after recording a narrow win against ten-man Halifax Town.

The first period ended goalless and the match only came to life 15 minutes into the second half when Halifax's Simon Ainge collected his second yellow card of the game for a foul on Matt Williams.

The Brewers claimed the lead soon after as Daryl Clare collected Michael Simpson's cross on the edge of the area and fired a 20-yard effort into the bottom-left corner.

Burton doubled their advantage in the 88th minute when Marc Goodfellow drilled his left-footed shot into the top-left of goal from 25 yards out.

The Shaymen managed to pull one back through Darryn Stamp's headed goal just a minute later but it was a matter of too little, too late as Nigel Clough's men held on to collect all three points.

Burton bookings: Simpson, Harrad.

Halifax bookings: Quinn, Wright, Heslop, Ainge.

Sent off: Ainge (72).

Ref: D Coote.

Att: 1607.