Luton became the latest victims of Port Vale's impressive home form, as the Valiants earned a hard fought 1-0 victory.
Vale's determination to get back into the top six was clear to see with manager Martin Foyle looking for the goals with an attacking front line.
However, despite a massive share of possession, chances were few and far between.
Top scorer Steve McPhee should have done better after 32 minutes when Sam Collins swung in a ball for him at the back post, but he scuffed his shot to send it wide of Morten Hyldgaard's left post.
Luton never really threatened, with the only bright light amongst the dull away side being Enoch Showunmi. The powerful forward caused the Valiants' back line problems when he broke through defence in the 44th minute but Collins blocked well to prevent Jonathan Brain having to save.
Collins turned attacker when he managed to worm his way inside a crowded Luton box on 82 minutes and did well to release a left-footed shot but keeper Hyldgaard saw it coming and saved well low down.
A flurry of chances should have produced a goal just after, and Vale finally cracked it six minutes from time when Billy Paynter crossed from the right to pick out Michael Cummins who ghosted in at the back post and tapped it in from close range.
The Port Vale manager Martin Foyle said: "It's an absolutely massive win tonight and I am delighted for the lads.
"We had to go out there and win and we've got a game in hand but there are still hard games ahead of us.
"Our work ethic has been spot on since I took over but we need to show more quality to help us play at a higher level.
"We can't just rely on our home form because to maintain the push for play-offs, we've got to be good away from home as well."