Two goals from Jon Dadi Bodvarsson on his home debut propelled Burton Albion to an emphatic 4-2 win over Rotherham United in a thrilling encounter at the Pirelli Stadium.
The result handed Rotherham their first defeat of 2025, despite a promising start from the visitors.
Rotherham’s Early Breakthrough
The match began dramatically, with Rotherham-born Louie Sibley marking his debut with a stunning goal less than two minutes in. Andre Green’s pinpoint cross set up Sibley for a superbly struck first-time finish, giving the visitors an ideal start.
Burton were undeterred and quickly found their equaliser in the eighth minute. As Rotherham hesitated to clear Kegs Chauke’s cross, Bodvarsson seized the opportunity to scoop the ball home from close range, igniting the home crowd.
Burton Seize Control
The Brewers took command of the match as halftime approached. In the 39th minute, captain Ryan Sweeney rose highest at the back post to head in Owen Dodgson’s corner, putting the hosts ahead. Just two minutes later, Bodvarsson added his second, firing home after Rotherham goalkeeper Dillon Phillips parried a shot from JJ McKiernan.
Burton maintained their momentum after the break, and McKiernan got on the scoresheet just two minutes into the second half. Udoka Godwin-Malife’s cross found McKiernan free at the back post, and the midfielder nodded home to extend Burton’s lead to 4-1.
Rotherham Rally, but Burton Hold Firm
Andre Green reduced the deficit just after the hour mark when Burton struggled to clear a corner, but the hosts continued to look dangerous. Rumarn Burrell twice came close to adding a fifth for Burton, who managed the remainder of the game confidently to secure a well-deserved victory.
Evans Reflects on Poor Performance
“It’s not one or two players who have let us down today; it was collectively as a team we were poor. We were backed by tremendous support today, and when we get that sort of support, we should be humble, but we lacked the humbleness today. We have to learn from this and get ready for Cambridge,” Rotherham manager Steve Evans said post-match.
Writer’s View
Burton Albion’s spirited performance highlighted their attacking prowess, with Jon Dadi Bodvarsson making an immediate impact. The Brewers demonstrated resilience after conceding early and showed their ability to capitalise on key moments. For Rotherham, it was a collective off-day, and they’ll need a quick response to get their campaign back on track.
