Fourth Division In the pre-season, there were talks of bringing
speedway to
Vale Park, introducing a new team to the
British League Division Two. Their 22 November fixture at the
Old Showground with
Scunthorpe United could have seen the Vale equal their best start to an English League season in the 20th century. On 28 February, Vale held promotion rivals Swansea City to a goalless draw at
Vetch Field. In March, Chairman Arthur McPherson pleaded guilty to receiving stolen goods and was sentenced to an 18-month suspended sentence and fined £1,500. Signing Lacey permanently for £2,500, and
Sammy Morgan on a free from
Gorleston, Vale were in a close battle for
promotion. On 18 April, Vale drew 1–1 at home to Notts County after coming from behind to a
Don Masson goal to secure a vital point. Unbeaten in their final nine games, they secured promotion with what
The Sentinel's Peter Hewitt called a 'blockade formula' – they conceded just four goals in this run. They finished in fourth place with 59 points, three points clear of fifth place. His side promoted, Lee said that 'no team could have deserved reward as much for their hard work and strength of character'. With 33 goals conceded, only Chesterfield conceded fewer. Only 17 players were used all season, whilst eight barely missed a game between them. On 31 May, they played a
Potteries derby friendly with
First Division Stoke and won 3–2 at the Victoria Ground. Roy Sproson was named Gillette Sportsman of the Year.
Finances On the financial side, a loss of £3,003 was made despite fundraising donations of £17,925. Gate receipts were up by over £13,000 as home attendances were encouraging. However, expenditure had increased, and there was a transfer deficit of £2,900. Six players were let go at the season's end, including Ken Wookey (
Workington); Stuart Shaw (
Morecambe); Eric Magee (
Linfield);
Stuart Chapman (
Stafford Rangers); and
Gordon Logan (
Kettering Town).
Cup competitions In the
FA Cup, they had to overcome
Northern Premier League side
Wigan Athletic on a very heavy
Springfield Park pitch, but could only manage a 1–1 draw. After a 2–2 draw back in
Stoke-on-Trent, the second
replay was held at
Old Trafford,
Manchester. James scored two minutes from the end of
extra time to finally kill off the non-Leaguers. After a 3–1 defeat at
Prenton Park to
Tranmere Rovers in a replay, the Vale were out of the competition with a profit of £5,000 from their five games. In the
League Cup, a first-round exit came courtesy of
Third Division Tranmere Rovers at Vale Park. ==Results==