The Valiants had only hit six goals in 11 league games but with some dismal Dale defending they virtually sealed victory after 22 minutes.

Onel Hernandez opened the scoring inside 90 seconds, gathering Kyle Dempsey’s through-ball and finding the bottom corner.

Vale doubled their lead after 11 minutes. Aden Flint tripped Hernandez and George Byers fired the resulting penalty past Sam Waller.

Dale threatened momentarily when Cian Hayes sent former Vale striker Dajaune Brown through, but he was thwarted by Jasper Moon.

Moments later Vale scored their third. Dempsey’s shot was parried by Waller and Jordan Gabriel reacted first to slot home the rebound.

With the game over as a contest, the second half produced few chances but ended with a flurry of goals.

Dale’s Ian Henderson headed in after 82 minutes before Keyrol Figueroa restored Vale’s three-goal cushion with a simple tap-in four minutes from time.

Charlie Tasker gave the scoreline a degree of respectability, slotting in Dale’s second goal with the last kick of the game.