Roared on by nearly 2,000 visiting supporters, Port Vale won a hard-fought game at Bury, where they hadn't enjoyed victory for 23 years.
Bury, who started with 6 new players, rarely threatened. Although they had most of the first half, it was Vale's Gary Roberts, Sean Rigg and Anthony Griffith who went closest.
Vale took over in the second half, with new signing Justin Richards leading the attack. They took the lead on 66 minutes, full-back Lee Collins lashing home from 10 yards.
It could have been 2-0 when Belford raced out & failed to collect Yates' free-kick, only to watch with relief as Marc Richards headed narrowly wide.