Two careless goals were conceded by Vale to give top-of-the-league Torquay a victory they were lucky to achieve.
After a poor pass by Vale's Gary Roberts, Chris Zebroski rushed forward and was clumsily felled by keeper, when contact wasn't really necessary. Nicky Wroe stroked home the penalty for 1-0 after only 5 minutes.
The second goal from a long-throw wasn't properly defended, and Zebroski poked home from 5 yards.
Vale's manager Micky Adams was fuming that Vale only had 10 men on the pitch for the second goal. Gareth Owen had gone off with a head injury, but Adam Yates wasn't ready to come on as sub.
Vale looked like they were turning the corner with a 25 yard screamer by Anthony Griffiths that made it 1-2.
But despite Vale having a string of chances, Torquay hung on.