Brewers and Cobblers share spoils

Relegation strugglers Burton and Northampton shared the spoils in a tense and scrappy 1-1 battle at the Pirelli Stadium.

Guillem Bauza gave Northampton the lead but their winless run was extended to 14 games by Aaron Webster's equaliser which edged Burton three points away from the danger zone. Former Burton man Shaun Harrad had a shot tipped round the post by Adam Legzdins but it was fellow striker Bauza who broke the deadlock in the 39th minute. The Spaniard cleverly exchanged passes on the edge of the area with Josh Walker before stabbing a six-yard shot past Legzdins. But Burton were behind for only seven minutes before Webster grabbed a close-range equaliser after a Sam Winnall free-kick fell at his feet. Defences dominated in a scrappy start to the second half, with shots from home skipper John McGrath and visiting midfielder Walker failing to trouble either keeper. Harrad went close to putting the visitors back in front with a curling 20-yard shot against the angle of post and crossbar in the 80th minute. Burton tried to rally after a spell of Northampton pressure but Calvin Zola dragged their only chance wide.