PHIL Parkinson saluted his Wanderers despite promotion to the Championship being put on hold for the time being.

Fleetwood’s late winner at Gillingham ensured the battle will continue to the final weekend but the Whites boss was nevertheless proud of his side’s display under pressure at Port Vale.

David Wheater and Gary Madine scored the goals against the Valiants, who were reduced to 10 men in the first half when striker Rigino Cicilia was sent off by ref Carl Boyeson for a second bookable offence.

Wanderers now just need to avoid defeat in their final game of the season against Peterborough United to gain an automatic promotion place.

“It goes to the last week but we couldn’t have asked any more from the lads – it was a very solid away performance,” said Parkinson.

“Recent results hadn’t gone our way and it was really a confidence boosting win, our 12th away from home this season. I’m delighted with what we have produced.

“They started quite well, reasonably sharp and we were reasonably sharp,” he said. “But I think in the main we controlled the game.

“The sending off was a bit psychological as we know what happened in the Oldham game and it made it a little bit more difficult but we handled it really well.

“At no point is given to you and promotions are certainly not handed on a plate,” he said. “We’ll have to go and earn it.”

After Wheater’s opening goal Wanderers fans flooded on to the pitch, forcing the players off the pitch for nearly 10 minutes.

Parkinson admitted it had been a distraction – but was happy to have added a second goal after the restart.

“It was disruptive and it’s another thing we had to guard against,” he said. “For about five minutes afterwards I think we were a bit slow and were passing it back to the keeper a bit but all in all we’re pleased.”

Madine played through the pain for 90 minutes with a shoulder ligament injury and was also given a pat on the back from his manager.

“He has done well to put himself out there,” he said. “He played with an injection and his shoulder very heavily strapped up. I’m delighted with his contribution and that he got his goal. He thoroughly deserved it.”