Weir settles feisty clash
Robbie Weir fired Burton to a 1-0 victory as Bristol Rovers' five-game unbeaten run came to an end in a game which produced three red cards.
The midfielder bagged a stunning second-half goal after Rovers had on-loan striker Chris Beardsley sent off before the break.
The hosts were reduced to 10 men themselves when winger Jimmy Phillips picked up a second yellow card in added time, and the visitors then had John-Joe O'Toole sent off for a clash inside the Burton penalty area - taking them down to nine.
Albion could have been ahead straight from kick-off but Steve Mildenhall brilliantly kept out Chris Hussey's searing low drive.
The visitors had a chance of their own in the ninth minute when Ollie Clarke was denied by Burton skipper Ian Sharps on the goal-line.
Mildenhall did well to adjust his feet and deal with a deflected shot as Hussey threatened again.
The Pirates were rocked back on their heels when Beardsley received his marching orders for a reckless tackle on Weir in the 37th minute.
Mildenhall kept Rovers on level terms when he pushed a Matty Palmer shot around a post after the break.
But the keeper was left helpless when Weir lashed home a superb 25-yard shot into the bottom corner in the 59th minute.
Source: PA
Source: PA