Burton Albion

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Chris Hargreaves

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Torquay 2-1 Burton Albion

Burton Albion failed to overcome Torquay on the final day of the season, but still celebrated their automatic promotion at Plainmoor after Cambridge were held to a goalless draw by Altrincham.

The Brewers got off to a great start after Marc Goodfellow's stunning shot in the eighth minute. However, minutes later Chris Hargreaves equalised and after the break a header from Elliot Benyon ensured three points for Torquay, as well confirmed their place in the play-offs.

The Gulls looked the more determined of the teams, but a lapse in defence by Chris Todd, let in Goodfellow, who unleashed a ferocious shot past Torquay keeper Michael Poke, to hand the visitors the lead.

Despite going in front, the Brewers failed to impose themselves and were punished as stopper Saul Deeney was undone by a Hargreaves' screamer from the edge of the area just minutes later.

United continued to push on and looked most likely to score as the nerves of throwing away their once 19-point lead looked to be taking its toll on Roy McFarland's men.

Lee Mansell and Nicky Wroe both had menacing shots before half-time as Torquay piled the pressure on Burton.

Todd - aiming to atone for his earlier mistake - mustered a well-worked header goalwards, only to see it tipped over the bar by Deeney.

After the break, the Gulls were rewarded for their persistence as Kevin Nicholson's long throw was flicked on by Hargreaves and Benyon placed his header in the bottom corner.

The hosts were comfortably in the driving seat and when news of Cambridge's draw reached Plainmoor, there was almost a sigh of relief from the Brewers, who knew that despite the loss they would be crowned champions.

On the other hand, Torquay will face Histon in a two-leg play-off semi-final.