A LATE goal from Port Vale substitute Adrian Littlejohn, after James Hayter had shot Bournemouth back on level terms, spoiled Cherries return to Division 2.
Cherries made a bright start with Stephen Purches hitting a right-foot shot which was saved by the Vale keeper Dean Delaney. And they forced an early corner, an outswinger from James Hayter, which invited a shot from Wade Elliott that whistled wide of the left-hand post.
Vale's first threat came from Stephen Brooker, who left fly from 18 yards but saw his effort blocked by Carl Fletcher.
Half-time: Port Vale 0 Bournemouth 0
Vale took the lead when McPhee blasted a right-foot shot home from 18 yards.
Vale sent on Adrian Littlejohn for Armstrong before Cherries drew level in the 74th minute.
They owed it to the drive and accuracy of O'Connor who crossed from the left for Hayter to strike with a firm, low shot from the centre of the penalty area.
But Vale regained the lead on 86 minutes when substitute Littlejohn fired home after more good work by Brooker.
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