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.
. A win to end the year..
..but who fared best and who faded as the Owls faced up to a battle against Vale? Let's take a look.. Photo: .
. Cameron Dawson - 7
Out smartly just after the break to snuff out an understated little chance for the visitors. Carries himself confidently and looked in no bother under high balls. Photo: UGC/Steve Ellis
. Liam Palmer - 7
Got forward with more regularity, especially early doors, and looked confident defensively. Just always seems to be in the right place these days and seems to have taken on a role as senior man in the Owls defence proudly. A couple of loose touches in the second half caused no issue. Photo: UGC/Steve Ellis
. Mark McGuinness - 8
Did enough to put Harrison off with a guilt-edged chance on half an hour and once again just looked a really classy customer both with the ball and without. His last-gasp tackle to deny Harrison after the hour was the work of a defender that is better than this division. Photo: UGC / Steve Ellis
. Reece James - 8
Has real quality on the ball and showed it from the off. Coped with what Vale had to throw at him down that left channel. Made a vital, full-throttle challenge to stop a decent Vale attack on the hour. Photo: UGC/Steve Ellis
13. Will Vaulks - 7
Wasted no time in getting involved after replacing Bannan early doors. Crashed into a tet-a-tet with Ellis Harrison to get the crowd interested and then took on the edge-of-box shot that eventually led to the penalty. Missed a great chance to score from Smith's knockdown on 55 minutes. Photo: UGC/Steve Ellis
14. Jack Hunt - 6
Replaced Mighten with a point to prove and wasn't reckless with it, offering energy down the right and sticking to his job throughout a decent cameo. Photo: UGC/Steve Ellis
15. Dennis Adeniran - N/A
On late for Byers for the next stage of his long injury comeback. Heartwarming stuff. Photo: UGC/Steve Ellis