Substitute Jake Speight fired a precious equaliser to rescue a point for City against fellow relegation-battling Burton at Valley Parade tonight.

Peter Jackson had made five changes from the Southend defeat and the City line-up had a more solid appearance.

Steve Williams, one of the players coming back, almost broke the nervy deadlock on 26 minutes with a header which was well blocked by former Halifax keeper Adam Legzdins.

But it was City's only shot on target in the first half as Burton showed the better composure in such a tense occasion.

And the visitors took the lead three minutes before half-time, skipper John McGrath nodding home a fine cross by Jimmy Phillips.

Speight fired wide and Syers had a couple of efforts. But there was no hint of trouble for Burton until Speight popped up with a 75th-minute leveller, lashing home on the turn from James Hanson's knock-down.

There were still late scares with Phillips hitting the bar and Pearson curling inches wide.