Tuesday 16 August 2016 23:38, UK
Nigel Clough was a very proud manager as he reflected on Burton's first victory at Championship level as they beat Sheffield Wednesday 3-1 at the Pirelli Stadium.
Gary Hooper had equalised from the penalty spot just five minutes after Kyle McFadzean's seventh-minute opener but Albion responded to see off the threat of Carlos Carvalhal's side and run out worthy winners.
Jackson Irvine restored Burton's lead on the stroke of half-time and Lloyd Dyer wrapped up the points with 13 minutes remaining.
Clough, whose side went down to a late 2-1 defeat to Bristol City at the weekend, said: "It was thoroughly deserved. We deserved to win on Saturday and perhaps at Forest so it's been coming for the last 10 days. It's come against probably the best side we have played so far.
"From the first minute we set about the task in the right way, created chances all throughout the game and deserved the victory."
Clough praised the work ethic of his side, who more than matched a team who were just 90 minutes away from the Premier League at the end of last season.
He added: "We are not as good as players as the rest of the Championship teams so we have to make up for it with honesty, endeavour, hard work and courage.
"When you have lost your first two games and to go out and play like that with confidence, that's the lovely thing about it."
Dyer's goal gave Albion breathing space, something the Brewers have not had so far this season, and Clough felt it made a big difference especially after Hooper's early penalty had snatched Albion's lead away.
Referee Neil Swarbrick penalised McFadzean for holding at a Wednesday corner, allowing the Owls the equalise.
Clough said: "The third goal makes a difference. It makes the last few minutes a bit more comfortable but the penalty was the only thing that set us back.
"You see those in every single game. We have no problem with them being given as long as they give every one."
Wednesday manager Carvalhal praised Albion but was left to bemoan the absence of key defender Tom Lees with injury.
He said: "Congratulations to Burton. They caused us a lot of problems but we didn't play with our full defensive line complete.
"We expected Tom Lees to recover but he felt pain and couldn't play. We had to readapt our defensive line when [Jose] Semedo came off and we didn't stay as strong as we do normally.
"We tried to play our usual game but we couldn't play as we can do.
"We expected to win three points and we didn't get what we wanted but the good thing is we have another game on Saturday when we will do our best to try and win."
