Three goals - all from corners - in the opening 25 minutes proved decisive as Huddersfield Town picked up a vital three points at the Galpharm Stadium.
Both sides needed a victory as Town had been winless in October and managerless Port Vale found themselves in a relegation spot.
Returning striker Andy Booth got the Terriers off to a terrific start when he leaped above Ashley Westwood and headed home an Andy Holdsworth corner after three minutes.
Six minutes later and Town were two up. A short Holdsworth corner was cleverly dummied by Danny Schofield to leave Ronnie Wallwork to smash a half-volley past the despairing Joe Anyon.
Vale were then gifted an opportunity to get back into the match when Paul Harsley's excellent throughball set up David McGoldrick who put the ball embarrassingly wide when one-on-one with keeper Matt Glennon.
Huddersfield made them pay for not taking their chances when they added a third in the 21st minute. Joe Skarz's corner was met by Nathan Clarke and, although Paul Edwards looked to have cleared, referee Pat Miller adjudged the ball to have crossed the line.
Lee Sinnott, who is due to take over the Port Vale reins on Monday from caretaker boss Dean Glover, would not have been happy with the side's schoolboy defending.
However, they dug deep to get themselves back into the match and it came as no surprise when Luke Rodgers shook off David Mirfin to fire past Matt Glennon and give the travelling fans hope.
However, t he second half proved to be a dour affair. Both teams had chances, the best falling to Booth who failed to double his tally shooting wide from six yards.
But the Terreirs manager Andy Ritchie would have been pleased with his and the team's performance.
However, Vale face an uphill struggle if they are to avoid relegation. Perhaps Sinnott can give them stability in an otherwise disruptive season for the club.