Boss Ian Evatt hailed Wanderers’ collective spirit on and off the pitch as they dug in to secure the result that lifted them up to fourth in the League One table.
A first-half strike from top scorer Dion Charles set up a gutsy 1-0 win at Port Vale as the striker moved to seven goals for the season.
But that was only half the story as the Whites’ injury-hit side then had to defend superbly after the break to resist a Vale fightback and secure a second away win of the campaign thanks to a first clean sheet since August.
“They were two very different halves,” admitted a delighted Evatt. “In the first half we were extremely dominant. The slight critique would be that we didn't get that second goal but the way we played and passed the ball and penetrated at times was really good.
“But you don't come to places like this, against a team which is much improved and done really well this season, and have it all your own way.
“We had to have our backs against the wall in the second half and defend our box really well.
“Everything we showed today we didn't show in the second-half at Reading, so that's a huge compliment to the players that we have learned and they showed a brilliant amount of togetherness to pull through and get the results we needed. I'm immensely proud of them that's a brilliant result for us.”
Wanderers had failed to hold onto a lead at Reading earlier this month to lose 2-1 to two late goals.
But they refused to buckle when faced with the same challenge at Vale Park – despite missing seven senior players following Victor Adeboyejo’s addition to the injured list.
And Evatt also welcomed the help of the near 3,000 travelling fans in securing a big three points ahead of successive home games ahead of another international break.
“We are missing some key players at the moment but the next people have opportunities and at the moment they're taking those opportunities. The have not let anybody down and I'm really delighted for them to get the three points,” added the Wanderers’ boss.
“To get where we want to be we are going to have to find different ways to win football matches.
“In the first half you saw the quality, in the second-half we showed the grit and desire and the away support was absolutely unbelievable. The players needed energy and a lift and they were there for them.
“The togetherness we are showing as a football club at the moment is first class. We have got two home games now.
“The fans have been absolutely unbelievable and hopefully they will do the same thing for the lads on Tuesday lift them and give them some energy and hopefully we can replicate another three points like today.”