Burton were frustrated in their search for a second home win of the League One season as 10-man Port Vale dug in for a point from a goalless draw.
It was a Staffordshire derby that took a while to spark into life but George Byers' strong challenge on Charlie Webster with only a quarter of an hour gone brought a red card for the Vale captain from referee Scott Oldham.
Despite their numerical disadvantage it was Vale who went closest to grabbing the lead when Ronan Curtis drilled a rising effort just over the bar midway through the half.
Albion began to impose themselves and Marko Marosi had to awkwardly shovel Webster's teasing cross away from danger before JJ McKiernan fired across the face of goal.
Jake Beesley twice had headed chances as Burton threatened after the break, but both dropped wide of a post.
Curtis could have put Vale in front but at full stretch his header went agonisingly wide.
Burton substitute Tyrese Shade almost made an instant impact forcing Vale keeper Marosi into a smart save at his near post.
Vale defender Jesse Debrah almost snatched a last-gasp winner with a header that flew wide deep into stoppage time although there was still time for Beesley to be denied right at the death as both sides looked to take all three points.
Report supplied by PA Media.
Post-match reaction
Burton boss Gary Bowyer post-Port Vale (BBC Radio Derby)
Darren Moore: 'I didn't think it was a sending off'' (BBC Radio Stoke)
