SHELTON Martis' last-gasp header saw Albion reserves extend their unbeaten run to four games.
The Dutch Antilles defender struck in the third minute of stoppage time after central defensive partner Leon Barnett had unwittingly nudged the hosts ahead for a second time in the 81st minute by putting through his own net.
Simon Cox's sweet 52nd-minute strike had earlier cancelled out Rob Taylor's deflected 26th-minute opener.
First-team coach Michael Appleton said Martis' late goal was the least his side deserved after creating numerous chances in a lively second-half display.
And he praised his troops' never-say-die attitude.
"Vale fielded a youthful side who had a right go but there was no control from either side in the first-half," said Appleton.
"It was like a game of counter-attacking.
"They opened the scoring with what looked a freak goal. I think their lad tried to cross it and the ball appeared to take a slight deflection before looping in at the far post. Dean Kiely had no chance.
"I changed things in the second half by putting three up top and we caused them all sorts of problems, creating numerous chances.
"We got our just desserts when Coxy scored a really good goal, chesting the ball down just inside the box and volleying home.
"It was a typical goalscorers' goal after good build-up.
"We were really dominant then and there only looked one winner.
"Coxy, Chris Wood and Lateef Elford-Alliyu all went close but then a defensive mix-up led to Vale getting a second goal.
"However, we kept going and deservedly equalised right at the death.
"Sam Mantom put a terrific free-kick into the box which Woodsy did well to head back across goal and Shelton headed it in from close range.
"It was the least we deserved as we did more than enough to win it in the second half."
Cox played the full 90 minutes and Appleton said he did his first-team chances no harm.
"Coxy did well," added 'Appy'.
"He got into good areas, made clever runs and took his goal really well.
"The really pleasing thing is he played the full 90 minutes because players need game time to stay sharp."
ALBION (4-4-2): Kiely; Samuels, Martis, Barnett, Brown; Reid (Lynch 70), Downing, Mantom, Knight (Elford-Alliyu 70); Cox, Wood. Subs not used: Allsop (gk), Grier, Malcolm.
