Burton Albion — Derby: 1:0, Friendlies Clubs

Burton Albion edged Derby County 1:0 in a Club Friendlies encounter on 1st August 2026. The result came after a quiet first half that finally broke open in the opening quarter of play. T. Shade's eleventh-minute strike proved decisive in what was otherwise a balanced affair.

Shade broke the deadlock early, catching Derby's defence off-guard before the visitors could settle into their rhythm. To be fair, Burton had looked uncomfortable in their previous outing against Birmingham, but here they showed more purpose. The goal arrived before either side had truly tested the other's goalkeeper.

Discipline became an issue after the break when four yellow cards flew in quick succession. By then the match had settled into a pattern neither side could quite dominate. Burton picked up two bookings while Derby accumulated three, suggesting a game that grew tighter rather than more open.

The statistics told a story of near-equality: both teams registered 62 attacks, possession split 49 to 51 per cent. Burton managed only two corners to Derby's four, yet still found the net. The figures suggest a match where chances were at a premium rather than freely available.

For Burton, this ends a run of three defeats without a win in their last four friendlies. Derby's recent form has been more varied, with wins against Mansfield but losses to Valencia and Freiburg. The result keeps both sides moving forward ahead of the new campaign.