A 73rd minute goal from midfielder Stuart Elliott ensured City to complete a league double over Boston United and in the process kept the Pilgrims entrenched in the relegation shake up.
The opening 18 minutes of the match, however, were evenly contested with both sides producing some useful attacking moves. But apart from three unrewarding corners for Hull there was little excitement in either penalty area.
Boston carved out their first chance on 19 minutes when Paul Ellender flicked a pass through for Peter Duffield, who's cross was held by Alan Fettis with Richard Logan waiting to pounce.
At the other end Marc Joseph ventured forward but fired wildly over the bar from 25 yards.
In the 27th minute Boston pressed again, but Ellender shot too high following a goalmouth scramble.
Moments later Hull had to defend in depth as a Tom Bennett cross threatened more Boston danger.
Hull hit back and twice inside a minute Damien Delaney drilled efforts over the home bar.
Just before the break Boston threatened again with Mark Angel cutting inside and forcing Fettis into action with a low shot. Then Jon Walters sliced wide when left with only Paul Bastock to beat.
Both keepers were tested in the opening seconds after the interval with Bastock saving from Carl Regan and Neil Redfearn testing Fettis.
Burton went close to breaking the deadlock on 59 minutes when Logan volleyed just over from a Bennett cross.
In the 65th minute Hull attacked again and Delaney's low drive from the left was held by Bastock.
Immediately Fettis was called into action to save from Bennett after Logan's pass had opened up City rearguard.
In a frantic exchange of chances Hull's Joseph then forced a fine save from Bastock with a 20 yard free-kick.
The visitors drew first blood on 73 minutes when Elliott rose to glance home a close-range header from a free-kick in the right by Dean Keats.
Boston hit back with Stuart Balmer firing over from a Simon Weatherstone corner.
Boston battled hard to find a way back into the argument, but were unable to find a telling response.