Lucas Akins lifts Burton to victory over Swindon

Substitute Lucas Akins fired Burton to a 1-0 win over Swindon to maintain their unbeaten record under returning boss Nigel Clough.Akins struck from the penalty spot in the 77th minute as Burton ended the year in one of Sky Bet League One's automatic promotion places.Swindon keeper Lawrence Vigouroux helped his side survive early pressure with a trio of fine saves to deny Mark Duffy, Nasser El Khayati and Stuart Beavon.Burton's Jon McLaughlin was also kept busy, clutching a Nicky Ajose shot before getting his fingertips to Fabien Robert's curler.And the home keeper had to pull off a stunning reflex save in the 34th minute to turn over Jonathan Obika's point-blank volley to ensure an entertaining first half surprisingly ended goalless.Full-back Phil Edwards went close with a header as the visitors showed signs of tiring after their Boxing Day exertions.The cracks were exposed on 77 minutes when Akins scored from the spot after Beavon had been tripped by a weary-looking Jordan Turnbull.Tom Naylor was then denied a second Burton goal by another fine Vigouroux save.