A Sean McClare own-goal ensured Tranmere maintained their surge towards the play-off zone with a win over Port Vale.

Vale were left cursing their luck, having also had a Steve Brooker goal disallowed following a marginal offside decision.

The visitors fell behind after half an hour as McClare, in trying to clear a harmless centre by Simon Haworth, could only divert the ball past goalkeeper Mark Goodlad.

Tranmere created the better chances and Haworth was unlucky with a couple of efforts.

Vale staged a fighting finish and substitute Billy Paynter brought a good save from John Achterberg, and Steve Rowland headed wide.

Tranmere: Achterberg, Hinds, Connelly, Sharps, Roberts, Hume, Mellon, Jones, Nicholson, Haworth, Barlow. Subs: Allen, Howarth, Hay, Taylor, Loran.

Port Vale: Goodlad, Carragher, Brightwell, Collins, Byrne, McClare, Bridge-Wilkinson, Boyd, Armstrong, Brooker, McPhee. Subs: Delaney, Rowland, Paynter, Durnin, Burns.

Referee: J P Robinson (E Yorkshire).