The weather couldn't have been more perfect for the opening day of the season and with Port Vale out of administration, there was an air of optimism around Vale Park against visitors Bournemouth.
The Cherries seemed to have a strong grip on the game before the break, controlling possession and creating the better chances.
Wade Elliott did nothing for Vale's nerves when in the 33rd minute he created a chance from nowhere, with his 25-yard strike just clearing the bar.
The only chance the Valiants managed to grab was in the 41st minute when Mark Boyd looked to shoot from the edge of the box. His effort deflected off Steve Brooker to Stephen McPhee who found himself through on goal and duly finished only to be told he was offside.
Bournemouth finished the half with chances but no goals as in the 43rd minute Marcus Browning turned and blasted a volley towards goal but Dean Delaney produced a superb point blank stop.
The second half opened in the same fashion, with Bournemouth using their wingers to full advantage, but against the run of play Brian Horton's men took the lead after 67 minutes New boy Andreas Lipa spread the ball to Michael Cummings on the right and he picked out McPhee who fired a brilliant first-time volley into Neil Moss' top right corner.
The Cherries got what they had been searching for in the 73rd minute after Gareth O'Connor's cross was bundled through by Carl Fletcher to provide James Hayter with a chance he couldn't miss.
The Valiants left it until the 87th minute to clinch the points, when a long throw from Sam Collins made its way to Stephen Brooker. He flicked the ball to the back post where substitute Adrian Littlejohn was waiting with a diving header to put the ball into Moss' bottom left corner.
Port Vale Manager Brian Horton was delighted with the score but took time to compliment Bournemouth.
"They are a neat and tidy side and kept us down to minimal chances," he said. "We had a poor first half but when we started to get a little bit more aggressive we went on from there.
"We improved no end in the second half, but all credit to the lads as it was terribly difficult in this heat."