Pools were the better of the two teams for the opening 45 minutes before the visitors upped things after the break and took the lead midway through the second half.
Jake Taylor’s excellent cross found Connor Hall at the back post who powered a header beyond Huddersfield Town loanee Nicholas Bilokapic with Pools unable to respond in the closing stages.
And here is how Pools were rated in their Good Friday defeat.
1. Nicholas Bilokapic - 7
Calm and composed first half and made a big save early in the second. Few shaky moments with distribution but a solid home debut from the teenager all told. Picture by FRANK REID Photo: Frank Reid
2. Jamie Sterry - 6
Did ok. Was a decent threat in the first half. Exposed once or twice in the second half as Port Vale doubled up before being forced off with injury. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News) Photo: Mark Fletcher
3. Neill Byrne - 6
Key block in the first half to deny Wilson. Booked in the second. (Credit: Mark Fletcher) Photo: Mark Fletcher
4. Gary Liddle - 8
One sloppy pass in the first half not enough to take away from what was an excellent display. Headed and blocked anything that came his way. (Credit: Will Matthews | MI News) Photo: Will Matthews