A battling and resolute defensive performance from Tiverton Town saw them hold League One side Port Vale to a 1-1 draw at Ladysmead.
The Yellows went ahead through summer signing James Mudge after 11 minutes in one of their rare attacks on the Port Vale goal.
However, the home side remained focused and strong in defence and as a result came close to pulling off a shock until substitute Ben Williamson equalised with six minutes to go.
Tivvy boss Martyn Rogers matched Port Vale up in terms of formation, with Mudge and fellow new arrival Owen Howe starting up front in a 4-4-2 formation.
There was also a place in the starting line-up for Steve Goss, at centre-half, and Adam Bilcock, in midfield, after they signed terms with the club following Tuesday night's 2-2 draw with Truro City.
Port Vale also named a strong line-up with four new signings in their starting XI. And it was one of the new players who had the first chance of the match as Mark Marshall controlled the ball inside the area and drilled a low shot towards goal that Tiverton keeper Chris Wright saved.
Tiverton then took a surprise lead in the 11th minute when Owen Howe played the ball in from the right for Mudge to fire past Chris Neal from close range.
However, it was Vale who were the enjoying the majority of possession and territory in the first half. The lively Marshall, who joined the club in July having been released by Coventry, won a free-kick midway through the half as he darted towards the opposition box. However, Chris Lines wasted the free-kick by firing his effort straight at Wright.
Next time Vale were awarded a free-kick, Marshall took it himself. However, he smashed his effort straight into the Tivvy wall and then rather optimistically appealed for handball.
It perhaps highlighted the desperation of the Vale attackers who were growing frustrated by some determined Tivvy defending. Even the prolific Tom Pope was denied a goal as James Richards got a crucial sliding block as he lined shot from inside the box just before half-time.
Rogers made three changes at the break, bringing on Jimmy Hinds, Tom Tricker and Adam Faux.
Micky Adams made five changes as keeper Chris Neal exited along with Adam Yates, Louis Dodds, Michael Brown and Marshall. They were replaced by Sean Johnson, Colin Daniel, Chris Birchall, Ben Williamson and Chris Robertson.
Port Vale were first to go close again at the start of the second half as Daniel found space in the box and latched onto a through ball. However, his finish was poor and wide of the mark.
Pope's finish five minutes later was better as his right foot shot hit the post, rebounded off the head of Wright, hit the post again and rolled across the goal line. The 28-year-old striker could hardly believe he hadn't scored.
However, it was that kind of afternoon for Vale as Ben Williamson cut in from the left and hit a stinging drive that Wright flew to his right to turn around the post.
A well worked free-kick then saw Pope nod the ball back across goal to leave Williamson with a free header, but his effort ended up over the top.
Wright was then called into action again as he palmed away a fierce effort from Carl Dickinson on 65 minutes. Then another block from Tom Gardner prevented Williamson from getting a shot on goal from the edge of the six-yard box with 12 minutes to go.
However, just as it looked as though Tivvy might escape with a unlikely win, the Vale breakthrough came with six minutes to go.
Williamson was the player to score as he firmly headed a deep cross from Chris Duffy into the net from eight yards out.
It was no more than Vale deserved on the balance of play, but harsh on the Tivvy defence who hard worked tirelessly in hot conditions to keep their high-flying visitors out.
Tiverton Town: Chris Wright, Jake Wannell, Josh Searle, James Richards ©, Steve Goss (Ed Weeks, 75), Tom Gardner, Jed Harper-Penman (Jimmy Hinds, 45), Adam Bilcock (Tom Tricker, 45), Owen Howe (Jess Howe, 57), Dan Western (Alex Faux, 45), James Mudge (Khalid Badavi, 57). Subs not used: Ethan Phillips.
Port Vale: Chris Neal (Sam Johnson, 45), Adam Yates (Colin Daniel, 45), Carl Dickinson, Ryan McGivern (Chris Robertson, 45), Richard Duffy, Louis Dodds, Chris Lines (Chris Birchall, 45), Tom Pope, Michael Brown, Steve Jennings, Mark Marshall (Ben Williamson, 45). Subs not used: Nathan Smith, Ryan Boot.
