Rivals have presented Vale with perfect chance to seal the deal...

So how do we sum up the League Two promotion race in these past few weeks?

- PORT Vale writer CLIVE YOULTON

I would say it’s akin to a 400-metre track final where just as the competitors are coming into the back straight, they see the finishing tape and decide to dash off in opposite directions.

As for Port Vale’s top-seven opponents, not since Cambridge sunk in the 1978 University Boat Race have rivals been more accommodating.

It’s been a case of, ‘after you’ no, ‘after you’ which has led us to this point.

But the only thing that matters is Vale are on the cusp of returning to League One and that is cause for much celebration. It is not how you get there but getting there that counts.

The three-point swing in the dying embers of Easter Monday's fixtures was typical of how it’s gone. And is bound to be significant.

Vale were trailing at home to Grimsby Town until 60 seconds of five minutes of stoppage time remained - only to grab a point.