Nigel Clough says Burton Albion's young stars fitted right in throughout a pulsating 90 minutes in victory at Oldham Athletic.

The Brewers secured their passage to the second round of the Carabao Cup with a 3-2 triumph over the Latics, with all five goals coming after the break in an entertaining contest.

Luke Varney's opportunistic finish put Albion in front, before quick-fire strikes from Paul Green and Craig Davies - the second from the penalty spot - gave John Sheridan's side the advantage.

Burton Albion manager Nigel Clough looks impressed

But Matty Lund hit straight back with a fine finish after coming off the bench, before Akins stepped up to roll home a late penalty and ensure Burton's name is in the hat for tomorrow night's draw.

There were encouraging performances across the park from a Brewers side boasting eight changes from the Cardiff City defeat on Saturday, as Clough's side dictated play for long spells and recovered well from the suckerpunch of going 2-1 down.

And Clough singled out young duo Joe Sbarra and Ben Fox - both graduates from Burton's academy - as making their mark in possession against the Latics.

"I thought it was a good game all the way through - it's just the goals came through in the second half," said the Albion manager.

All smiles for Burton Albion teammates Joe Sbarra and Ben Fox

"We are very happy with the way we played again, performance-wise.

"And it's lovely to make seven or eight changes, and get a couple of young lads out there from the academy in Foxy and Joe Sbarra.

"I thought they did very well tonight.

"I thought neither of them looked out of place.

"Joe has been on the fringes and coming on for the first team in a couple of games, but Foxy, it's his first real start.

"The both of them worked their socks off and did very well tonight. Foxy made a great challenge on the halfway line in added time. They've both had good pre-seasons.

Ben Fox in action for Burton Albion
Ben Fox in action for Burton Albion

"I think Foxy probably, depending on how we are numbers wise, will go out on loan somewhere.

"So that will do him good - hopefully people are watching and he can get at a decent standard, because he has just played against a good League One side and more than held his own."

It was the experienced head of Akins who dealt the telling blow, of course. After playing the full 90 in defeat to Cardiff at the weekend, the ex-Stevenage man was again tireless in his work on the left flank at Oldham.

Given the Brewers' ongoing search for a new striker, he may be called upon from the start again on Saturday at Hull City. Clough thinks that won't be an issue.

Lucas Akins slots home the winning penalty against Oldham Athletic

"He's the penalty taker now," Clough said of Akins.

"Liam Boyce probably would've been if he'd been fit, but Lucas was on them last season.

"He stroked it in, and you fancy him in those situations.

"It wasn't ideal for him to play 90 minutes tonight, but he's one of the fittest and strongest we've got, so hopefully he'll recover in time for Saturday."