Vale faced probably their sternest test of the pre-season so far in the shape of Scottish Premier League outfit Aberdeen who came into the game on a nine-match unbeaten run.
Vale, enjoying a similar record in pre-season, gave their supporters plenty to be optimistic about with the League Two season less than two weeks away.
Manager Micky Adams had said before the game that he was still unsure of his starting eleven for when the season begins in earnest on 7th August, so it was another chance for the players to impress.
If the Vale players were suffering any after-effects from a tough week in Ireland where they played three games in five days, it certainly didn't show.
Without posing too many problems for Dons' 'keeper Mark Howard in the opening forty five minutes, Vale had the majority of possession and the better of the play.
Vale lost skipper Tommy Fraser after just 16 minutes. He had clashed with Aberdeen's Darren Mackie a few minutes earlier. Mackie also limped off three minutes later.
The visitors' best chance of the half fell to defender Andrew Considine, who hit a speculative 20 yard shot which Stuart Tomlinson could only parry, before collecting at the second attempt.
It was the visitors who looked the sharper of the two sides early in the second half with Vale forced on the back foot as they were put under pressure by the Scottish outfit.
Vale refused to be undone, however, and could have got their noses in front had Sean Rigg managed to keep on his feet after bursting into the 18 yard box before firing high and wide.
Gary Roberts oozed class at times and will surely become a fans' favourite at Vale Park this season if the tonight's display is anything to go by. Similarly, Doug Loft was also impressive with a hard working display in the Vale midfield.
A right wing cross from Roberts 15 minutes from time was flighted perfectly for Just Richards at the far post. The former Cheltenham man looked like he was going to score with a downward header, but Howard pulled off an impressive one-handed save.
The visitors went ahead in the 81st minute after Vale had given the ball away cheaply. Substitute Ryan Jack forced his way into the Vale box and was brought down by Rob Taylor and Michael Paton sent Tomlinson the wrong way from the spot.
Justin Richards almost levelled the scores in the 90th minute with a cheeky back-heeler which Mark Howard did well to save.
Vale now play Stone Dominoes on Wednesday evening before facing Walsall at Vale Park on Saturday (kick off 3.00pm). By then Micky Adams will have a good idea of his best eleven.
Attendance: 1,824
Dave Johnson
