Burton Albion took a giant step toward securing a playoff spot in League Two after beating Hartlepool United 3-0 at the Pirelli Stadium this afternoon.

Goals from Billy Kee, Jimmy Phillips and a Lee Bell free kick seven minutes from full time helped Burton move seven points clear in the top-six with just three games left.

The 23-year-old fired the hosts into the lead on 27 minutes by latching onto an Ian Sharps cross before firing past goalkeeper Andy Rafferty at the back post.

The Brewers doubled their advantage through Phillips, who curled beyond the reach of the shot-stopper on 57 minutes to put Albion in the driving seat.

Kee had two opportunities in as many minutes to effectively kill off the encounter. On 68 minutes, the striker watched on as his half-volley trickled narrowly wide, before his second effort forced Rafferty into a smart save moments later.

Bell added the killer blow on 83 minutes by smashing home a 22-yard free kick to cap an impressive win for Gary Rowett's men.