WANDERERS took a giant step towards promotion with a dramatic 2-0 win at 10-man Port Vale.

David Wheater and Gary Madine scored the goals, which all-but condemned Port Vale to relegation, meaning the Whites will need just one point at home to Peterborough United next weekend to ensure a return to the Championship.

It had been a tense game until the 66th minute when Wheater converted Filipe Morais’s corner for his eighth goal of the season to send Phil Parkinson’s team back into the second tier at the first time of asking.

The celebrations threatened to turn sour after fans from both sides invaded the pitch. Players were taken back down the tunnel by referee Carl Boyeson for almost 10 minutes.

Wanderers kept their nerve admirably after the game was restarted and doubled their advantage when Gary Madine slotted home Morais’ cut-back.

Vale had been reduced to 10 men in the first half when striker Rigino Cicilia received a second yellow card but they too had their moments – Dan Turner driving one shot against the post and Mark Howard scrambling another late effort on to the woodwork.