Burton's League Cup semi-finalists are experiencing 'magical times'

Burton Albion chairman Ben Robinson insists Nigel Clough’s giantkillers are experiencing “magical times” as they prepare for a lucrative Carabao Cup semi-final.

Clough’s Brewers - 15th in League One - have secured a place in the last four after adding Middlesbrough to a list of scalps this season which includes Burnley, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.

Jake Hesketh’s goal at the Riverside Stadium on Tuesday night guaranteed a two-legged semi-final where they will face a Premier League giant. 

Champions Manchester City have already qualified after beating Leicester on penalties while Arsenal, Spurs, Chelsea and Bournemouth play on Wednesday night.

Burton’s biggest attendance this season at the Pirelli Stadium is just 4,566 but they are set for a sell-out early next year.

Robinson told Telegraph Sport: “It was the perfect Christmas present and an absolutely incredible achievement for a club of our size.

“This is certainly our biggest moment since we played Manchester United in the FA Cup when we were in the Conference [in 2006].

“These are magical times for Burton Albion and myself and Nigel were joking the other day about perhaps reaching the final and then preparing for European football!

“I don’t care who we get in the semi-final but I’m sure we will be getting 7,000 at our place. 

“I actually think we might have got more coverage if United hadn’t sacked Jose Mourinho but that seems to be the norm with us - when we were promoted to the Championship, Leicester won the league, so it’s just one of those things.

“Full credit to Nigel and the players, its been a wonderful cup run and we can’t wait for the draw.”

Burton are the first team from the third tier of English football to reach the semi-finals of the old League Cup since Sheffield United, then managed by Clough, in 2014-15. 

Bradford were the last team outside of the Premier League to reach the final in 2012-13.