Richards (r): Hat-trick hero for Rovers
Winger Mustapha Carayol broke the deadlock with a swerving 30-yard shot just before half-time and Richards doubled the advantage seconds after the break following a mistake by Ryan Austin.
Calvin Zola pulled a goal back for Burton soon after but Rovers then ran riot after Matt Harrold netted a 61st-minute penalty to make it 3-1.
Jim Paterson added a fourth with a low drive, Harrold scored his second with a deflected shot and Richards netted two more as Burton's defence fell apart.
It was not the visitors' day as Richards' third goal also took a deflection, but Burton were their own worst enemies thanks to some kamikaze defending.
