Burton Albion secure a 1-0 win over Southend United in the League Two playoffs first leg, despite being down to 10 man for the last half hour.
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The game started at a frantic pace in the first five minutes, with the home side starting particularly well.
However, it was Southend who created the first real opening of the game when Kevan Hurst found Will Atkinson, but the chance was soon cut out by the goalkeeper.
Michael Timlin then found Barry Corr with a cross into the area, but his header went wide of the mark.
Burton had their first opportunity on 20 minutes when Lee Bell robbed Ryan Leonard of the ball, but the midfielder's volley went over the bar.
The away side had a huge chance on 29 minutes when Corr's flick found Atkinson, who saw his strike well saved.
Burton then took the lead just before half time through Adam McGurk, who expertly lifted the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper.
The home side had a disastrous start to the second half when Ian Sharps received two yellow cards within five minutes to see red on the hour mark.
Southend began to pressurise the Burton defence, with a cross from Hurst causing problems in the area before being scrambled clear.
Dean Lyness pulled off a incredible save on 87 minutes to keep John Egan's volley out and his side in front.
There were huge appeals for a penalty in stoppage time as Egan went to the ground, though the referee dismissed the claims as Burton held on.
Sam Hughes
