The Valiants marked their return to league action after a three week hiatus with a 1-0 win over Grimsby Town.
It was an almost-perfect start for Jon Brady’s side when George Hall slid the ball through to Onel Hernandez in the third minute, his effort tipped on to the post.
An in swinging Kyle Dempsey cross ten minutes later found Max Watters who was unable to get a clean connection face-to-face with Grimsby goalkeeper Christy Pym before eventually drifting wide for a corner.
Vale continued to create golden chances, this time through both Max Watters and George Hall following a Hernandez cross, but bodies on the line from the visitors kept the game goalless.
Hernandez found Watters again in the 35th minute after superb work down the left, but the latter was unable to keep his shot down.
On the brink of half-time, the dominance finally paid off as Kyle Dempsey received the ball on the edge and whipped into the top corner spectacularly for his first Port Vale goal.
The visitors came into the second half better, pushing towards Marosi’s net but unable to create any clear chances at goal.
It took over 15 minutes for Vale’s first meaningful chance for the half as a Ben Garrity header found Max Watters, who was once again faced directly by the keeper who made himself big.
Marko Marosi was called into action midway through the second half when a Grimsby long shot needed tipping on to the bar to maintain Vale’s lead.
The Mariners applied heavy pressure in the last 10 minutes, pinning Brady’s side in, but resolute defending was enough to take all three points.
Port Vale: Marko Marosi, Jaheim Headley, Jasper Moon, Connor Hall, Jordan Gabriel, Ben Garrity ©, Kyle Dempsey (George Byers 84'), Onel Hernandez (Ben Waine 79'), Cam Humphreys, George Hall (Rhys Walters 71'), Max Watters (Oli Lynch 71’).
Subs not used: Jackson Smith, Kyle John, Maleace Asamoah.
Grimsby Town: Christy Pym, Maldini Kacurri, Jayden Sweeney, Kieran Green (C), Harvey Rodgers, Justin Amaluzor (Iwan Morgan 70'), Geza David Turi, Cameron McJannet, Finlay Cartwright (Jamie Walker 70'), Charles Vernam, Andy Cook
Subs not used: Cian Doyle, Sonny Finch, Ryley Reynolds, Edon Pruti