SUB Luke Rodgers downed Cherries with a late winner as Port Vale maintained their impressive record over the Dorset outfit with a 1-0 victory at Dean Court.

Rodgers came off the bench to settle a sterile affair with an opportunist effort eight minutes from time to help the Valiants claim their first win of the season.

Kevin Bond's charges were fortunate to reach the break on level terms despite creating the clearest opportunity of a Port Vale-dominated opening period.

Garreth O'Connor headed straight at Vale goalkeeper Joe Anyon from just seven yards in the 32nd minute after the visitors had seen a host of chances go begging.

Danny Whitaker twice went close in the opening six minutes, his first effort sailing over the crossbar before Cherries goalkeeper Asmir Begovic flicked his second over the top.

Another Whitaker shot flashed wide, while Shane Tudor's dipping volley flew narrowly over the crossbar before Begovic denied David McGoldrick with his knees.

Cherries started the second half with more purpose and a strong penalty claim fell on dear ears after Jo Kuffour had been sent sprawling by Vale skipper George Pilkington.

Anyon dived full length to his left to keep out Lee Bradbury's 57th-minute header before the Vale goalkeeper again thwarted the Cherries striker from point-blank range.

Vale winger Tudor, booked for an earlier foul on Warren Cummings, was lucky to escape a second yellow card after appearing to dive in the box under a challenge from Ryan Garry.

Disaster struck for Cherries when Rodgers netted with a well-taken effort eight minutes from time, his half-volley from 16 yards giving Begovic no chance.

Brett Pitman and Josh Gowling both went close to salvaging a point for Cherries in the closing stages but Vale held on for the points.