Federico Macheda (pictured) scored two second half goals on his Cardiff City debut. With the scores level at 1 - 1 Macheda's double sent Cardiff into the next round of the competition.
Joe Ralls had given City the lead with a shot from distance but Vale's Michael O'Connor called Ralls and raised the stakes with a goal from 30 yards.
Cardiff were on top though and Macheda twice finished to give City a winning lead and it could have been better for the Italian as he hit the bar late on.
Vale did get an injury time consolation but the result was not in doubt and the final scoeline of 3 - 2 to the Bluebirds flattered the hosts.