Our look at Pompey's opponents continues with the Brewers
Meetings with Pompey
Pompey and Burton Albion will meet for the first time ever during the 2013/14 campaign.
But the Blues did face Derby in a reserve match at Burton’s Pirelli Stadium a few years ago.
Burton Albion history
Burton can claim to have followed on from a number of clubs from the area, such as the now-defunct Burton Swifts, Burton Town and Burton Wanderers.
Burton Albion as they are today were formed in 1950 and joined the Birmingham & District League. They also had spells in the Southern League and Northern Premier League, winning the latter in 2002 and rising to the Conference.
They started life at the Lloyds Foundry Ground, but high attendances necessitated a move and a new ground in Eton Park, just off the Derby Road, became home in 1958. They stayed here for 47 years before it was torn down for housing and Burton moved to the Pirelli Stadium, directly opposite their old ground.
The Brewers enjoyed a fine FA Cup run in 2006, reaching the third round. Nigel Clough’s side held Manchester United to a goalless draw before losing 5-0 in an Old Trafford replay.
They continued to improve in the league, finishing ninth in 2006 and sixth in 2007. A highest ever league position of fifth in the Conference was achieved the following year, Burton were beaten by Cambridge in the play-offs.
But they clinched the title in 2008/09 and less than 60 years after playing in the Birmingham & District League, Burton were in the Football League.
Burton Albion present
The Brewers finished 13th in the first ever league campaign, but dipped to 19th the following year.
They finished fourth last term, however, and looked set for Wembley after beating Capital One Cup finalists Bradford 3-2 at Valley Parade.
But the Yorkshire outfit fought back at the Pirelli Stadium to secure a 5-4 aggregate victory, going on to win promotion to League One.
Information for Pompey fans
Visiting supporters are housed in the Coors East Stand Terrace, which can house 1,400 people at one end of the ground. In addition, a further 400 seats can be made available.
The nearest place to quench your thirst is the Beech Pub, a 10-minute walk from the ground and a McDonald’s is also nearby.
The Great Northern Pub is also in the vicinity, while the Roebuck, Devonshire and Cooper’s Tavern are all around the station.
Travelling by road
Postcode: DE13 0BH
Distance from Fratton Park: 178.7 miles
Estimated drive time: 3 hours, 16 minutes
Leave the M42 at Junction 11 and go onto the A444 (signposted Burton). Upon entering Burton, go past the Black Horse and Copper Hearth pubs, straight across the mini-roundabout and you will arrive at a roundabout with St Peters Bridge in front of you. Turn right at the roundabout in Stapenhill Road (A444) and then turn left at the traffic lights onto the Trent Bridge. Go through both sets of lights, into Horninglow Street, straight on again at the next lights and then turn right at the lights underneath the Brewery fly-over, into Hawkins Lane. Go straight across the mini-roundabout and over the railway bridge. Go straight across the next roundabout into Princess Way and the entrance to the ground is 300 yards on your right.
Travelling by train
The ground is approximately 1.5 miles from Burton Railway Station. Trains via Southampton Central go to Birmingham New Street, from where you can get a connection to Burton.
The whole journey takes approximately four hours and 20 minutes, with a standard adult fare of £85.50.
League Two fixtures
Burton Albion v Pompey: Saturday, September 14 (3pm kick-off)
Pompey v Burton Albion: Tuesday, March 11 (7.45pm kick-off)