Substitute Carl Robinson's late winner was in vain as Wolves missed out on a place in the play-offs.

Robinson swooped five minutes from time, but victory over relegated Vale meant little because Bolton beat Norwich to secure sixth spot.

Vale started brightly and Tony Naylor shot narrowly wide from Ville Viljanen's flick.

But Wolves, with a large and vociferous following behind them, were soon forcing the pace as Michael Branch went close.

Branch then missed a sitter after Steve Sedgley's free-kick beat everyone before Vale began a spirited fightback.

Wolves keeper Michael Oakes was pleased to grasp the ball in a goalmouth scramble as Vale were buoyed by substitute David Healy, who replaced the injured Naylor.

The contest now flowed from end-to-end as Vale's rookie goalkeeper Mark Goodlad saved at point-blank range from Branch following another Sedgley free-kick.

Wanderers forced a succession of corners towards the end of the first half but the home defence held out.

Vale enjoyed a bright start to the second period and Oakes was scampering around his goal as Michael Cummins and Healy caused problems.

Sagi Burton then wasted a fine chance to give the home side the lead when he headed wide from Dave Brammer's cross.

But Wolves were kicking themselves in the 66th minute when Sedgley squandered an even better opportunity.

Kevin Muscat swung in a terrific cross from the right and Sedgley headed wide from six yards with a goal at his mercy.

Robinson, who replaced Branch 12 minutes from time, struck a post with another outstanding chance before atoning as he turned in Lee Naylor's near-post cross.

Teams:

Port Vale: Goodlad, Carragher, Burns, Burton, Snijders, Smith, Brammer (O'Callaghan 86), Widdrington, Cummins,Naylor (Healy 24), Viljanen.

Subs Not Used: Pilkington, Eyre, Brisco.

Booked: Carragher, Cummins, O'Callaghan.

Wolverhampton: Oakes, Muscat, Curle, Pollet, Naylor, Bazeley, Emblen, Sedgley, Taylor (Osborn 62), Akinbiyi, Branch (Robinson 78).

Subs Not Used: Simpson, Flo, Petterson.

Booked: Taylor.

Goals: Robinson 85.

Att: 8,525

Ref: C Wilkes (Gloucester).