Notts County manager Kevin Nolan declared himself 'absolutely delighted' following Notts' slender victory at Vale Park.
The Magpies won the game through Lewis Alessandra's scrappy second-half finish and remained resolute at the back to keep a valuable clean sheet.
"It wasn't the greatest spectacle but when you go away, get a clean sheet and a win it's just fantastic," said Nolan. "And then you hear all the fans singing at the end, not remembering much from the game but knowing they've won!
"Port Vale are under a bit of pressure so we knew they were going to come out all guns blazing and trying to put their stamp on the game. But I thought we rode that out well and didn't give them many opportunities.
"Thankfully, when the chance came our way, Lewis was on hand to put it in the back of the net. We're absolutely delighted."
Notts ended the game with 10 men after Shaun Brisley was forced off with a head injury but the manager was pleased to reveal the defender was 'up and about' in the dressing room post-match.
And the manager was thrilled with the way his side handled the one-man deficit while protecting their advantage.
Nolan said: "We were ready for going down to 10 men. We've practiced it, so as soon as it happened the lads knew exactly what their roles and responsibilities were.
"We don't leave any stone unturned and it's a credit to the lads that they've taken it on board.
"I thought they saw the game out really well."