While they picked up a point from their Shay clash with Burton it was a draw that felt like a defeat as Daryl Clare levelled for the Brewers in the seventh minute of time added on at the end - five minutes later than Rushden & Diamonds had equalised 10 days earlier.
There was no dispute over the amount of extra time played, nor about the quality of Clare's strike - a volley on the run from 25 yards out.
But the build up to the goal was hugely disappointing as, in one final act of desperation, Burton pumped the ball forward from the back.
Town's defence really ought to have been able to deal with it. They could not and Burton extended their unbeaten run to a new club record 10 matches.
For the Shaymen it means a run of two points from a possible nine, scant reward from games in which they led and a further crushing blow following on from the draw with Rushden and defeat at York.
Town suffered an early blow when Danny Forrest limped from the action after nine minutes with an ankle injury.
But they coped well with the loss, creating the better first half chances and restricting high flying Burton to a series of corners each of which was dealt with comfortably.
Greg Young, on his first Town start since New Year's Day, ought to have opened the scoring in the 22nd minute but his downward header from a Tom Kearney free kick went wide.
And there was a half chance for Kearney soon after, but his shot lacked the power to trouble Kevin Poole in the Albion goal.
But the breakthrough duly arrived with six minutes of the half remaining when Kearney fed Young and his cross looped invitingly for Shaw who, against his former club, expertly guided the ball home on the volley with the outside of his right foot.
Shaw had the chance to make it 2-0 early in the second half when he rose to meet a Steve Torpey cross, but could not get his header on target.
John McGrath missed Burton's best chance of the opening hour of the game when he blazed over from 10 yards after good work from the ever-threatening Keith Gilroy.
But Town survived and doubled their advantage in the 65th minute when Albion skipper Darren Stride could only direct an attempted clearance from Torpey's right wing corner into his own net.
Town were still in celebration mode when Burton struck back inside 60 seconds.
Shaun Harrad went in hard on Adam Legzdins and the ball rebounded back off the bar. With the Town keeper still down, Marc Goodfellow slid the ball home.
Town almost struck back three minutes later when Kearney's corner picked out Young, but his header bounced off the top of the bar and went over.
Legzdins saved well from Clare before pulling off a magnificent save to deny Harrad, turning his shot onto the bar after the ball had taken a deflection off the outstretched leg of a defender.
Alex Bailey, Forrest's replacement who was making his debut after arriving from Chesterfield on non contract terms, combined with Daryl Taylor down the left with 10 minutes remaining.
And when the ball was pulled back for Shaw he had a clear sight of goal, but he was unable to get sufficient power on the ball and Poole saved again.
Burton threw everything into attack in the last few minutes of normal time, but Harrad fired over and John McGrath's free kick evaded everyone.
Town even survived a couple of Aaron Webster long throws and a couple of injury time corners as they looked like holding on for a much needed victory.
Then, with the seconds ticking away, Clare showed all of his predatory instincts when he, with the otherwise outstanding Adam Quinn caught for the first time all night, pounced to claim for his side a share of the spoils.

STAR SHAYMAN
Jon Shaw would have loved nothing more than to have bagged a goal in his first game against his most recent former employers.
And it was a cracker of an effort too, as the frontman made it six for the season with a deft finish on the volley.
Wide on the left, Steve Torpey proved a constant thorn in the side of the Burton defence.
He sent over several dangerous crosses and Town's second was a result of a beautifully whipped in corner with which Darren Stride was unable to cope.
The fingers were pointed at Adam Quinn when Daryl Clare nipped into snatch a draw for the visitors with what was, no question, a class goal.
But right up to the 97th minute Quinn had been a tower at the heart of the Town defence and looked back to his old self.
Shaw takes the three points on offer in our season-long competition with Torpey two and Quinn one.

MATCH FACTS
Halifax Town: Legzdins, Toulson, Quinn, Young, Wright, Taylor, Griffith, Kearney, Torpey (Bushell 89), Forrest (Bailey 11 (Dadson 81)), Shaw. Subs (not used): Doughty, Belle.
Booked: Griffith, Young.
Goals: Shaw 39, Stride 66 og.

Burton Albion: Poole, Brayford, Greaves, Stride (Edwards 79), Webster, Corbett (Goodfellow 52), McGrath, Gooding, Gilroy, Harrad, Ryan Taylor (Clare 63). Subs (not used): Holmes, Farrell.
Booked: Greaves, Brayford, Harrad, Clare.
Goals: Goodfellow 67, Clare 90.

Attendance: 1,206
Referee: D Webb (Lancashire).

PLAYER POINTS
Jon Shaw 16, Andy Campbell 13, Steve Bushell 7, Anthony Griffith 7, Tom Kearney 6, Danny Forrest 5, Lewis Killeen 5, Daryl Taylor 5, Cortez Belle 4, Craig Mawson 3, Steve Torpey 3, Jake Wright 2, Adam Quinn 1.

YOU SAY
We can't defend!!!
- V disgruntled town fan!!

Looked very good going forward. Taylor + torpey both excellent. Quinn far too slow. Need some pace at back. When takeover goes through get Trotman signed - JRA.

Don't blame the ref, don't blame Chris Wilder, that's totally down to the players and at £15 a time sub 1,000 crowds on the way - Martyn H

Once again town throw 2-0 lead away when will Wilder learn - Sean, Boothtown

Again lads 2-0 up and u threw it all away. Goodbye title, we have to hope and pray for the play offs now - The Turnbull

Gutted feel like been shot in the head but great game well played the lads. Luck's got to turn - Daz, Brighouse

Belting game just a shame ref's watch had stopped but like normal played 11 defenders for last 10 mins. Time 4 change - Shayman

So Wilder thinks we can defend by conceding 90% of the pitch. Brainless! - Rick

Time to go Wilder, more defensive tactics cost points again - Dennis

Another 2-0 lead lost. Quinn's lack of pace is costing up every game. When will Wilder learn to stop telling the players to sit back? Rubbish - Mark Dennis