The 36 year old's return to the bench ended a four-year absence from competitive football.
Vale's gung-ho attitude early on paid dividends after 10 minutes when Jeff Smith's break down the middle fed the arriving Chris Birchall who fired an unstoppable shot into John Achterberg's bottom right-hand corner from 20 yards.
Both sides open approach treated a 4,000 strong crowd to end-to-end action, however Rovers' long ball style reaped no rewards.
The Valiants doubled their lead on 17 minutes with Birchall being involved again. The youngster's cross from the right fell behind the defence allowing Billy Paynter to apply the finish from 15 yards.
Half time provided no respite for Tranmere with Vale still thirsty for more goals.
A third was added on 52 minutes with a flowing move Brazil would have been proud of.
Smith combined with Simon Eldershaw to finally release Birchall who smashed home his shot from the right of the box to beat Achterberg in his bottom right again.
The tables turned soon after with the away side throwing everything but the kitchen sink at the Valiants' goal.
Jonathan Brain twice kept his side in the game with excellent stops from Ryan Taylor and Iain Hume.
Tranmere got the goal they deserved on 73 minutes when Gareth Roberts' left-sided corner was flicked on by Ian Sharps and finished at the back post by Michael Jackson.
Despite crushing pressure, Vale's back line withstood the last 15 minute barrage to claim a surprise victory.