Rovers lost their first game of 2023 as three late Port Vale goals saw the Valiants come away 3-1 winners at The Bolt New Lawn.

Udoka Godwin-Malife was back in the starting XI for the first time since August - while Kyle McAllister also returned from injury.

Rovers opened the scoring just two minutes in as the ball fell to McAllister in the box - and the Scotsman arrowed a shot into the bottom corner.

There were very few clear-cut chances for both sides apart from the goal, however it was a very cagey affair as Tom Pett, Corey O’Keeffe and Baily Cargill were shown yellow cards in the first period.

About half way into the first half, Josh March missed a glorious opportunity as the ball was pulled back by O’Keefe down the byline, but the striker blazed a shot over.

The second half was very similar in terms of a lack of clear-cut chances, that was until Vale substitute Mipo Odubeko equalised four minutes from time.

14 minutes of stoppage-time were added after Lewis Cass fell awkwardly - and Vale took full advantage.

Gavin Massey was brought down inside the area by Regan Hendry and the referee pointed to the spot, with Ellis Harrison making no mistake.

Five minutes after the penalty was converted another substitute Dennis Politic curled his effort from around 25 yards from goal into the top right-hand corner to seal the game and gain three points for his side.