FORMER Premier League striker Lee Hughes bagged a brace on his home debut as Port Vale eased past 10-man Accrington Stanley.
Stanley were reduced to 10 after just four minutes when Charlie Barnett saw red for a tackle on Daniel Jones but they held on until the break at 0-0.
But Vale capitalised five minutes into the second period when Hughes volleyed home before Darren Purse made it 2-0.
Hughes then wrapped up the three points by coolly finishing when put through.
Stanley came within inches of scoring with the scores level at 0-0, but Peter Murphy's shot was cleared off the line by Vale skipper Doug Loft.
The loss sees Accrington stay in 20th place, two points above the relegation zone.
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