Victor Adeboyejo’s goal against his former club earned Wanderers another important point as the Whites extended their unbeaten run to five league games and stayed in the play-off places.
Adeboyejo’s early strike wasn’t enough to give Wanderers a third successive away win as Burton levelled with an hour gone to continue their own good run.
But Ian Evatt’s men produced an excellent performance worthy of even greater award which bodes well for the remainder of the run-in.
The Pirelli Stadium hadn’t previously been a happy hunting ground for the Whites.
But they banished those bad memories and could have left celebrating a first win at Burton if they had taken one of a number of chances in a dominant last half-hour.
With Wanderers already into their fourth game of a hectic April, Evatt made three changes to his starting line-up – including the return of Adeboyejo.
And the striker took just five minutes to find the target against his former employers.
Adeboyejo had scored 13 times this season for the Brewers ahead of his January move to Wanderers and he added to his collection at the Pirelli Stadium with his third for the Whites.
Conor Bradley launched the attack with a typical burst forward and when he found Aaron Morley, the midfielder’s shot was deflected past Craig MacGillivray by Adeboyejo to give Wanderers the perfect start.
It almost got even better when Adeboyejo robbed defender Jasper Moon and teed up forward partner Dion Charles for a strike at goal. Charles’ shot was blocked but the ball dropped for Gethin Jones, whose tested keeper Craig MacGillivray low down to his left.
MacGillivray was far the busier keeper and had to save again from Charles after the leading scorer had made space for a shot following more good work by Dempsey.
And as the Whites cranked up the pressure around the half-hour mark, MJ Williams was next to go close with an effort blocked in a crowded penalty area following a corner.
Bradley also whistled an effort over the top as Wanderers looked to double their lead by the break, although there was a first scare for the Whites in stoppage time as Dale Taylor headed wide.
That was nearly a self-inflicted blow after Wanderers had conceded possession and five minutes into the second half Burton were presented with a chance to level.
Morley had been right back to his best but this time he mis-placed a pass and it needed an excellent save from James Trafford to deny Charlie Kirk after the Brewers’ forward had been left in the clear.
Burton were enjoying their best spell of the game and with an hour gone they did equalise, although Trafford did everything possible to keep them out.
The Wanderers’ keeper made a superb double save but was finally beaten when substitute Josh Walker was able to reach the loose ball and force it over the line with virtually his first touch after coming on.
Wanderers’ response to conceding was impressive as Morley and Dempsey both threatened the target and with a quarter of an hour to go the Brewers’ goal somehow stayed intact in the face of a flurry of chances.
George Johnston’s header across goal somehow just eluded a final touch from George Thomason, who, along with Randell Williams, also made the most of his starting chance.
Both Bradley and substitute Cameron Jerome then went close as they looked to convert chances at the far post.
Wanderers continued to pile on the pressure as they tried to turn one point into three and the excellent Dempsey saw another effort blocked as he flicked the ball goalwards at the near post.
Burton – having just beaten both Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday at home – were content to cling on as they all but secured their League One safety.
Wanderers’ interest remains at the other end of the table and while they couldn’t force a late breakthrough, their top-six place remained intact ahead of a three-match home run which gives them a chance to seal a play-off berth.
Wanderers: Trafford; Jones, MJ Williams, Johnston; Bradley, Morley, Thomason, R Williams; Dempsey; Charles (Nlundulu 75), Adeboyejo (Jerome75). Substitutes: Dixon, John, Sheehan, Kachunga, Shoretire.
Booked: R Williams
Burton Albion: MacGillivray; Brayford, Hughes, Moon; Oshilaja, Helm (Shaughnessy 82), Powell, Ashworth; Smith (Walker 58), Kirk (Carayol 70); Taylor. Substitutes: Garratt, Winnall, Ahadme, Gilligan.
Booked: Powell
Referee: Andrew Kitchen
Attendance: 3,328