VALE GET PARTY STARTED AS WIN SECURES PROMOTION

SENSATIONAL, stunning, spectacular. If you wanted to encapsulate Port Vale's Saturday afternoon at AFC Wimbledon in three words as they beat the hosts 2-0 to earn promotion, those adjectives fit the bill.

- Clive Youlton

Darren Moore's side knew what they had to do and went out and did it.

With Bradford City losing at Doncaster Rovers in the other lunchtime kick-off, that result, coupled with their own 2-0 victory, was enough for both Rovers and Moore's side to celebrate even before the later afternoon matches.

Vale were tentative in the first half in a tense game but, roared on by more than 1,200 travelling fans, they came alive in the second half, scored two brilliant goals from Jayden Stockley and Jaheim Headley, and wrapped up a return to League One with a game to spare.

It was the first time since 1930 - stat courtesy of Phil Sherwin - that Vale had bounced back immediately from relegation and boy did it feel good.

Owner Carol Shanahan, the staff, the players and management team jumped for joy on the pitch after the final whistle sounded and who could blame them?

The away crowd had even sung 'Darren Moore My Lord' which has not been a regular song of theirs this term as they haven't had it all their own way.

This was vindication for Moore. All the talk of how he had chopped and changed in the early part of the season is now dismissed as in the last three months he has picked a more settled side that has done the business.

Nobody can say his way wasn't the right way and it was wonderful to see him and the fans celebrate long after the final whistle.

Now comes a tilt at the title as the prospect of a full Vale Park at home to Gillingham next week is further cause for excitement.

Moore made just one change to the team that drew 2-2 at home to Grimsby Town with Jaheim Headley coming in for the injured Sam Hart.

In a fantastic atmosphere in south west London, Vale were backed by a vociferous away following in the Paul Strank Stand.

It was typical of this season when the supporters have really got behind their team.