Jordan Willis' second-half own goal condemned Coventry to defeat at Burton, ending their six-game unbeaten run in League One.
The defender got a decisive flick on David Templeton's curling free-kick to send it into the bottom corner of the net as Albion got back to winning ways after defeat in the FA Cup.
Both goalkeepers were busy in the opening period, with Coventry number one Lee Burge saving well from Jake Hesketh and Jamie Allen, while Burton keeper Brad Collins twice denied Luke Thomas.
Templeton was inches away from giving the home side the lead within a minute of the second half getting under way and the winger also forced Willis to hack the ball away from close to his own line.
Collins denied Thomas for a third time after 57 minutes as the striker broke clear one-on-one, with the keeper diving at his feet to stop him.
Willis' own goal then put Burton in front as the hosts sought to bounce back from their cup defeat by Scunthorpe.
Scott Fraser went close to a second for Albion with a curling free-kick 10 minutes from time as Nigel Clough's men secured an important win.
Match report supplied by the Press Association.
