Ryan Loft found the back of the net late in the game, securing a vital 1-0 win for Port Vale against Burton, breaking their streak of 14 games without a win.
The forward scored in the 83rd minute, sealing Vale's first victory in 2024 and bringing them within three points of safety in Sky Bet League One.
Early in the game, Vale's James Wilson missed a chance, hitting the side netting, and Burton's keeper Jamal Blackman had to make a crucial save to deny Nathan Smith's header from a corner.
Burton's Mark Helm had some promising moments, with a close effort narrowly missing the target, while Vale's Connor Ripley had to intervene to block a shot after an exchange with Joe Hugill.
Despite Burton captain John Brayford missing a chance in the second half, Vale's Ben Garrity also hit the post from a corner taken by Tom Sang.
The winning goal came on a swift counterattack, with Loft initially assisting Ethan Chislett, whose shot hit the post, only for Loft to score from close range off the rebound.