Vale started a busy week with several players being rested for a match that saw the home side snatch a last minute equaliser. Captain Alex Lacy, Alan Brown and Toby King were all given a night off as Vale gave starting places to Brian Mulholland and John Kemp.

Former Greenock favourite Hugh Ward had a perfectly valid goal disallowed after 25 minutes.

Although the home side looked the better side early on they were stunned as Vale took the lead after 39 minutes. Following a Greenock corner Mulholland found Ward and his flick on saw Scott McKernan break from the centre circle before slotting the ball past the advancing Greenock keeper.

Half Time 0-1.

Vale lost the combative Hunter through injury at the start of the second period and as a result they lost their physical presence in midfield. Greenock threw everything at Vale in search of an equaliser but they found Davie Rodgers in inspired form.

With the match 3 minutes into stoppage time the pressure paid off when former Largs Thistle striker Hepburn fired in a low shot through a packed goalmouth and into the net for a deserved leveller.

Vale were best served by Rodgers, Fox, Jim Meechan, David Meechan and man of the match Brian Wardle.