REECE Hutchinson’s second-half strike was not enough as the Brewers were beaten 3-1 away to Grimsby.
Grimsby started much the better but failed to cause the Brewers trouble with a host of early corners.
Burton caused early problems of their own when Ethan Vale’s dangerous corner evaded everybody in the box when a touch from anybody could have turned the ball into the net.
The Marriners had the two best chances of the first half-hour. First, the Grimsby number nine raced clear of the Burton centre-halves to force a strong save from Oliver Fairbrother. Then, the same player managed to get in-behind and from an almost identical position, hit the crossbar.
In the 30th minute, either side could have gone ahead. Reece Hutchinson tried his luck with a long-range effort which flew just wide of the Grimsby goal, while the hosts then went straight down the other end to hit the woodwork again.
Grimsby took the lead in the 36th minute when a corner made its way through a crowd of bodies to be headed in at the back post.
In the 39th minute, it was 2-0. Burton failed to create from a free-kick and Grimsby broke on the counter and the number 10 smashed home a low cross to double his side’s advantage, which is how the half would end.
The hosts scored their third five minutes after the break. Grimsby again broke after a bright spell from Burton, as a low ball across the box was lashed home.
Minutes later, it was almost four. Grimsby again got in-behind the Burton defence only for Fairbrother to make another good save.
Reece Hutchinson pulled one back for Burton when his low drive from long-range deceived the Grimsby keeper and bobbled into the net.