Burton were given a huge boost in their bid to secure League One survival as Conor Shaughnessy and Dale Taylor fired them to a shock 2-1 win over promotion-chasing Barnsley.
Albion remain seven points clear of the bottom four while Barnsley, who had been seeking a 12th win in 15 matches, slipped six points from the top two.
The visitors had strong shouts for a penalty after 11 minutes when James Norwood's shot was blocked on the line by Burton skipper John Brayford. Barnsley players were adamant an arm was used but referee Adam Herczeg waved away their appeals.
A bright start to the second half by the home side saw them edge in front when Shaughnessy converted Mustapha Carayol's cross.
Tykes skipper Mads Andersen was agonisingly close to an equaliser on the hour but Craig MacGillivray saved superbly to deny him.
Taylor doubled Albion's lead with three minutes remaining with a superb curling effort before Nicky Cadden set up a tense finish with a well-struck left-footed shot to make it 2-1.
Barnsley pushed for an equaliser in seven added minutes and MacGillivray made one more outstanding stop with the last effort of the game as Albion hung on for the win.