With skipper Sam Collins back in the Vale side and young goalkeeper Mark Goodlad forced into action at windswept Edgeley Park, struggling Stockport had a scare when on-loan defender Joe Dolan got away with a possible handball in the box while under pressure from Billy Paynter.
There was an almost non-existent atmosphere, but Steve Rowland did his best to rouse the travelling fans when his shot whistled a foot wide from all of 25 yards.
The Stockport fans were desperate for a lift, but on 23 minutes it was the Valiants who rubbed more salt in the already gaping wounds. Ex-Stoke goalkeeper Neil Cutler and defender Michael Raynes between them couldn't clear a hopeful ball forward, and the upshot was that Nathan Lowndes only had to sidefoot an easy shot into an empty net.
Michael Cummins should have doubled Vale's lead on 44 minutes, but the visitors did make it 2-0 after 53 minutes. The impressive Paynter picked up a loose ball, held off Danny Adams, and then simply slammed home a superb angled drive from 20 yards.
It ought to have been three a matter of seconds later, but Tommy Widdrington's shot was cleared off the line by youngster Damien Allen.
Adam Le Fondre, who had looked dangerous since coming on as a half-time substitute, headed home from close range on 88 minutes, but Vale comfortably hung on.