Shot-shy Carlisle United produced a horror show as they struggled against an injury-ravaged Burton side in front of the Sky TV cameras.
"It was a pathetic performance," spat Carlisle's player-boss Paul Simpson after the game.
"Right through the team there was no life or enthusiasm. The fans booed us off today and rightly so." In a game of few chances, Carlisle almost grabbed a goal within the first two minutes when Andy Preece lobbed tamely over from 12 yards with keeper Daniel Crane stranded.
The Brewers again looked weak defensively and when Chris Lumsdon's throughball to Preece was missed by the veteran striker, Karl Hawley nipped in to run clean through on goal.
But Hawley's hesitation allowed Crane to close the angle and he screwed his shot just wide from the edge of the penalty area.
Within three minutes on-loan Wigan Athletic youngster Magno Vieira fluffed another chance for the Cumbrians when he sidefooted well wide from just four yards.
Burton's willingness to soak up pressure meant that Matt Glennon's save from Albion hitman Craig Dudley was his only worthwhile save of the match.
In an even poorer second half neither side looked likely to score with only Chris Billy's 20-yard drive for the Cumbrians threatening to break the deadlock.
Burton boss Nigel Clough said after the game: "After what we've been through in the last couple of weeks this feels like a victory.
"They put a lot of balls in the box but our keeper didn't have a save to make."