Oldham, who have yet to pick up a point this season after two defeats, lost goalkeeper Les Pogliacomi to suspected knee ligament damage after 10 minutes.

Gary McDonald forced a save from Mark Goodlad and later hit the post with a header as Oldham threatened.

But Sodje headed home Jeff Smith's cross from four yards to put Vale ahead and Goodlad made a superb save late on from substitue Chris Hall's header.

Oldham: Pogliacomi (Howarth 10), Swailes, Haining, Stam, McDonald, Wood (Warne 72), Wellens, Rocastle, Edwards, Liddell, Molango (Hall 65).
Subs Not Used: Taylor, Lomax.

Booked: Rocastle.

Port Vale: Goodlad, Abbey, McGregor, Pilkington, Miles (Walker 79), Whitaker, Sonner, Harsley, Jeff Smith, Constantine, Sodje.
Subs Not Used: Anyon, Husbands, Cardle, Walsh.

Booked: Miles.

Goals: Sodje 66.

Att: 4,975

Ref: N Swarbrick (Lancashire).