Managerless Port Vale were obviously seen as sitting ducks by hapless Burton, who conceded 2 goals in the first 6 minutes and were outclassed by Vale for most of the game.
John McCombe blasted home the loose ball on 3 minutes. The ball strayed from Justin Richards (who could have claimed a penalty for the challenge on him) allowed McCombe to draw the keeper and fire home.
Then on 6, Louis Dodds easily dispossessed on the right, and his cross was met by a sweet header by Justin Richards. 2-0.
Vale's domination should have led to a hatfull of more goals.
Burton's first-half disallowed goal by Webster was ruled offside, but it was a tough call, as the through-ball cannoned off a Vale player.
Burton finally pulled one back on the hour when substitute striker Shaun Harrad fired home from a powerful low cross from the left by Jacques Maghoma.
The crowd were riled when Marc Richards was sent off for an innocuous challenge, which was either a second bookable or a straight red. Neither was justified, as the Burton players surrounded the ref to influence his decision - it was them who should have been booked for unsporting behaviour.
But Vale had the last laugh as they battled hard to keep Burton at bay, in one of the most spirited performances of the season.
Vale stay 4th.