Port Vale seal immediate return to League One after AFC Wimbledon victory

Port Vale have returned to League One at the first time of asking after they clinched promotion from League Two with a 2-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon.

The Valiants secured a routine 2-0 away win against AFC Wimbledon with two second-half goals enough to rubber-stamp promotion back to the third tier.

Vale's success at Plough Lane coupled with Bradford City's 1-0 loss to league leaders Doncaster Rovers means Darren Moore's side are assured of a top-three finish with a game to spare.

Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, Port Vale boss Darren Moore said:

I'm really pleased for us all connected to the football club to secure promotion today in the manner that we did.

"I was so proud of the players, to put in a performance like that here, which has been a difficult place to come, and to score two goals in front of our fans was fantastic."

With a home encounter against Gillingham to conclude the season, Vale will be looking to finish the season in emphatic style by snatching the League Two title from under Doncaster's noses.

Moore's jubilation is of a stark contrast to the exasperation etched across his face following Vale's demotion last season, with the former Sheffield Wednesday boss unable to spare the club of relegation after succeeding Andy Crosby in February.

Reshaping the squad in the summer, Moore had been backed to the hilt and the club added a wealth of experience in the shape of Jayden Stockley, Ronan Curtis and George Byers.

A strong start lifted Vale to the summit for six weeks from October before a dismal eight-game winless run saw them slip out of the top three.

Victory away at promotion rivals Doncaster sparked a resurgence in Moore's men as they embarked on an 11-match unbeaten run, but defeats to Colchester United and at home to Barrow in March brought Vale's automatic promotion credentials into question.

They responded to the scepticism emphatically with four straight wins which included vital successes over Bradford City and Walsall.

Despite encountering blips against Carlisle United and Grimsby Town, Bradford's loss ensured Vale's position in the top three went untouched and the Burslem club produced when it mattered most with a promotion-clinching victory against AFC Wimbledon.

With the nature of Vale's limp exit from League One likely engrained at the back of his mind, Moore will be eager to silence his doubters next season as the club attempt to reconsolidate in the third tier.

Jaquob Crooke

• League Two
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