The Owls scored twice through Michael Smith to win out 2-0, a scoreline that reflected a performance that extended their unbeaten league run to 12 matches.
Only a ‘goal scored’ prevents them from ending 2022 in the automatic places as they outfought their visitors and sent them packing.
Here are our player ratings for Wednesday after they signed off on 2022 with a Hillsborough win.
9. Barry Bannan - 6
Looked bang 'at it' and determined to make a statement as if it were needed, driving, ducking and diving through midfield. But it lasted only 25 minutes as he went down and was taken off in some distress with what looked like a hamstring issue recurrence. Photo: UGC/Steve Ellis
10. Marvin Johnson - 7
Looked keen to make an impact high up the pitch and did so, though his final ball may have just let him down once or twice in the first half - a few went unrewarded in the second, mind. A couple of mazy runs had Vale back-peddling and showed his nasty side, too, giving Robinson one back having been scythed down. Yellow carded midway through the second dig. Photo: UGC/Steve Ellis
11. Callum Paterson - 7
Worked tirelessly, ran channels, caused headaches. Just loves a scrap and had the demeanour of a grizzly with a headache at times, but he offers more quality than his detractors may suggest as evidenced with a couple of deft touches. Photo: UGC/Steve Ellis
12. Michael Smith - 8
Made no mistake with the penalty, slotting it safely past Stevens into the bottom right-hand corner. His second was a worldy - turning a defender in and out and curling it into the far post. Focal point and at times an angry man. Photo: Steve Ellis