Port Vale's dismal recent form was laid to rest as they battled to beat visitors Bournemouth in a heated game.
Michael Cummins went close in the 12th minute when Nathan Lowndes' pass allowed him to shoot but the ball looped over the bar.
The visitors took a surprise lead a minute later with a well taken goal. Garreth O'Connor moved inside from the left, and was given time to hammer his shot underneath Jonathan Brain from 18 yards.
The Valiants refused to lie down and equalised in the 17th minute. Steve Rowland's cross from the left was met with the faintest of touches from close range by Billy Paynter.
A second was added on 34 minutes with a swift move by the home side. Robin Hulbert's burst forward resulted in a perfect cross evading Neil Moss for Christopher Birchall to head in at the back post.
Another bright start after the break saw more chances created for Martin Foyle's men, however he failed to feed their lead.
Nathan Lowndes still could not get his first for the club when Paynter's chest down inside the box gave him the opportunity to shoot but the striker ballooned the ball over.
Paynter almost grabbed the game when he beat Karl Broadhurst and Eddie Howe but his left foot let him down with a weak shot that Moss saved comfortably.
His dogged determination almost paid off late on, as Wade Elliott's stinging 25-yard shot flew over.