Port Vale were foiled in their bid to banish memories of the recent defeat to Blackpool as they were held to a goalless draw by basement club Stockport at Vale Park.
Stockport started off the better side and went close on nine minutes when a short free-kick was knocked square for Chris Williams but the defender's 25-yard shot was deflected by substitute Andy Welsh past Jonathan Brain's left post.
The 14th minute signalled the start of Vale's dominance with Marc Goodfellow shooting wide, but it was Michael Cummins who should have scored when he put a free header from a Billy Paynter cross well wide.
The Valiants flowed forward again on 28 minutes when Christopher Birchall's burst resulted in a through ball for Goodfellow but the loanee could only side-foot over James Spencer's bar.
Both teams were reduced to ten-men on half-time when Michael Walsh reacted to a raised arm by Danny Adams, resulting in the pair having to take an early bath.
The away side gained more ground after the break with early substitute Andrew Welsh causing problems down the left flank. His 70th minute strike from 20 yards provoked a fantastic save from Brain to keep the scores level.
Stockport continued to break down Vale but their depleted defence held up well with Sam Collins leading by example.
Ex-Valiant Marc Bridge-Wilkinson caused a late scare with a long range effort but to the home crowd's delight, it was high and wide.