Leicester City surrendered their perfect record at the Walkers Stadium after Ian Moore scored the winner to extend Burnley's unbeaten run to 11 games.
Micky Adams refused to blame Leicester's financial problems for their poor display and instead insisted Burnley fully deserved the win because of their greater determination on the day.
Leicester played poorly and might have suffered a more embarrassing defeat had not Burnley been denied by the brilliance of Ian Walker and the woodwork.
Burnley's winner came in the 54th minute when Glen Little's corner was headed back across goal by Steve Davis for the unmarked Moore to nod home from close range.
Rather than sit deep to protect their lead Burnley continued to press and Gareth Taylor was denied in the 73rd minute when Walker brilliantly saved his rising shot.
Ten minutes before the final whistle Taylor was even more unlucky when he stuck out a boot and hit an upright during a goalmouth scramble.
A dull first half had only one bright spot on the half-hour mark when Paul Dickov's skilful back heel flew inches wide.
In the second half Leicester went closest to equaliser in the 64th minute when Dickov seemed certain to score but Marlon Beresford spread himself to block the Scottish international's close-range drive.
City boss Micky Adams said afterwards: "Burnley showed more determination at both ends of the pitch and deserve every credit.
"A lot of teams have already folded here this season but they can be pleased with themselves because they didn't."
Burnley Manager Stan Ternent said: "We defended very well and I thought we deserved it on our second-half performance when we might easily have grabbed a second.
"But we'll enjoy today because we've written a little bit of history by being the first side to come away with a win in a fantastic stadium."