The Valiants secured their first win of the league season against Exeter City after a second half George Byers penalty.
An eventless first quarter of an hour saw no shots from either side, a spell that ended with Exeter’s Charlie Cummins whipping a shot just wide from the edge of the box.
The Valiants had looked the brighter up to that point and began to register attempts shortly after the visitors’ first, with Oli Lynch seeking Jordan Gabriel in the box who saw his attempt blocked from close range.
It was a first 45 of few meaningful chances, however. Jaheim Headley struck goalwards from the edge of the box with just under 10 minutes to go in the half, and Gabriel was involved again, this time sending through Captain Garrity who saw his shot blocked.
Shortly before the half-time whistle, a Kyle Dempsey corner flew over everyone and hit the post, the closest Vale had come up to that point.
Jon Brady’s side came out for the second half for improved, pinning the Grecians in and creating at a greater rate. Ben Garrity had a back post header easily saved, and Gabriel saw a shot from the edge fly over within the first 10 minutes of the second half.
Vale continued to knock throughout the half with Ben Waine directing a header from close range straight at the goalkeeper, while Kyle Dempsey whipped a shot into the corner, palmed away from Jack Bycroft.
After plenty of probing, Vale earned a penalty just before the 70-minute mark when Jordan Gabriel was fouled in the box resulting in a penalty, which George Byers calmly dispatched for the second time this season.
A scrappy game ensued following the goal, with goalscorer Byers and Gabriel entering the referee's book. The closest Exeter came to an equaliser was from a free-kick from close range that was blasted over.
Substitute Onel Hernandez came close to his first goal for the club after beating his man and going one-on-one with the keeper, his poked effort blocked by the keeper.
The Valiants got over the line to take all three points for the first time this season.
TEAM NEWS
Port Vale: Jackson Smith, Kyle John, Jaheim Headley, Connor Hall, Jordan Gabriel, George Byers (Onel Hernandez 86'), Ben Garrity ©, Kyle Dempsey, Oli Lynch (Tyreece Simpson 86'), Ben Waine (George Hall 75'), Lewis Monstma (Cam Humphreys 86').
Subs not used: Marko Marosi, Keyrol Figueroa, Rhys Walters.
Exeter City: Jack Bycroft, Luca Woodhouse, Jack Fitzwater ©, Gwion Edwards (Jack Taylor 63'), Josh Gordon, Reece Cole, Charlie Cummins, Vincent Harper (Ethan Sutherland 79'), Jake Doyle-Hayes (George Birch 71'), Danny Rose (Taylor Perry 71'), Ed James (Lakyle Samuel 79').
Subs not used: Frankie Phillips, Ajay Matthews.