This was for the Vale seconds a Conference B game that needed to be won to ease any doubts about their destiny. Despite the rumours circulating about the strength of their opponents at Moorgate Avenue the visitors went about their business with a single mindedness that has to be applauded.

Victory was forged around a supreme performance from the forwards, in particular during the first half when they drew Rochdale's sting. In addition to a solid front five the back row of Sam Hoare, Alex Baines and Danny Lin were peerless, they did not take a backward step throughout. Sam was named man of the match by his fellow players but in truth any of this super trio could have walked away with the award.

Once again the Vale hit the road with only sixteen players in a squad that included the talented Jake Squirrell at scrum half, a relative newcomer to the code James Crinnion on the wing with prop Matt Field showing his versatility by playing on the opposite flank.

Straight from the kick off the Vale pack began to soften up their opponents, if there was going to be a turf or mud war the Vale eight quickly put their cards on the table. The scrummaging was dedicated and uncompromising, while in the loose the back row were always to be found where the action was at its most intense.

Rochdale were allowed no time to settle, they were forced to follow Vale's agenda and in the twelfth minute of a torrid opening they fell behind. Vale's forward dominance always suggested that the set pieces could yield handsome dividends and this was confirmed in the build up to their first score.

Rather than taking a pot shot at goal the Vale opted to punt the ball into touch. From the resulting line out the ball was moved wide, centre Khaizir Aziz blasted through, expertly shielding and holding up the ball till help arrived in the shape of Ollie Dobson who nipped away for an unconverted try.

At the end of the first quarter a struggling Rochdale scrum conceded a penalty which was kicked by Aaron Melville. With the Vale eight in magnificent form a scrum was taken against the head in the thirty third minute. This was manna from heaven for a player of the calibre of Danny Lin who calmly picked up the ball to cross nonchantly for his try which Aaron Melville converted, Aaron also kicked a penalty at the end of the half.

Holding an 18-0 lead at the interval the Vale were reminded that they needed to remain fully focussed and to not allow Rochdale any opportunity to nibble away at their total.

Four minutes into the second half the Vale signalled that the message had not only been received but understood. Prop Jack Ferguson scattered the opposition with a break but with support outside him he was grappled to the ground. Sam Hoare was quickly on the scene to snaffle the ball for a try converted by Aaron Melville.

With Rochdale looking vulnerable and being constantly hassled at every turn Ben Cannon latched onto a loose ball for an opportunist's try converted by Aaron Melville in the fiftieth minute.

An injury to the hard working Sam Hadlington caused the Vale to restructure their pack, their momentum ebbed slightly but never enough to allow Rochdale a way into the game.

Alex Baines, who has been out with an injury sustained for the first team at the beginning of January over at Kirkby Lonsdale, marked his return with an unconverted try in the seventh minute of stoppage time.

Vale returned from Rochdale highly satisfied following their impressive performance, the tackling was uncompromising, they played to their obvious strengths and adhered to their game plan. Skipper Dan Rainford was a tower of strength, he inspired those around him and his players responded by securing the first shut out of the season, plus the treble over Rochdale!

There is break in the action for the Vale prior to resuming their Conference B programme with an away fixture at Stockport on April 16 followed a week later with their final game, at home to Chester.