Kidsgrove Athletic manager Ryan Austin thanked Burton Albion manager Nigel Clough for bringing the Brewers to the Novus Stadium for their pre-season match against the Grove on Wednesday night.

The Brewers romped to a 5-0 victory on a glorious summers evening in Stoke-on-Trent, opening their pre-season account with a comprehensive display.

Kidsgrove, managed by former Brewer Austin, came into this match off the back of heavy defeats against Crewe Alexandra and Port Vale and experienced a similar fate against a hungry Albion side.

Not that it wasn't for the want of trying, with Kidsgrove going close on a couple of occasions, forcing Harry Campbell into some smart saves in the Brewers goal.

Austin made 191 appearances during his time at the Brewers, which saw them obtain Football League status for the first time in their history in 2009.

He spent seven years with the Brewers, joining from Crewe in 2005, working under Nigel Clough and Paul Peschisolido before his release by the club in the summer of 2012.

And Austin was thankful for the opportunity for his side to test themselves against a side from the second-tier of English football.

Austin's incomprehension at the side Albion brought down to the Northern Premier League club - comprising of three full internationals, including Northern Ireland duo Liam Boyce and Matty Lund and Australia star Jackson Irvine - about sums up the thoughts of most of those watching from a distance.

Ryan Austin in action for Burton Albion...
Ryan Austin in action for Burton Albion...

When asked post-match whether he still kept in touch with his former boss and the club, Austin revealed his admiration for Clough's attitude towards bringing his second-tier side to less glamorous surroundings.

"Yeah, without a doubt," Austin said on keeping dialogue open with his former employers.

"I've had a lot of contact with Burton since I left - especially since Nigel's been back.

"He's always been brilliant with stuff like that, and we had the conversation - I saw him at Port Vale reserves last year - and we were both watching the game and I mentioned it (the possibility of playing a friendly).

"We've been in touch right through the summer and, he's brought - I can't believe the side that he has brought down - every single player down here.

"A full Championship outfit, including internationals, so obviously we're hugely thankful for that.