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Port Vale stunned Sunderland with a 1-0 FA Cup win, thanks to Ben Waine’s goal. This paved the way for the club’s first FA Cup quarter-final since 1954.
Port Vale’s Ben Waine celebrates with teammates after scoring his side’s first goal of the game (AP)
FA Cup weekends are famous for their shocks — and Sunday delivered one of the biggest of the season.
Third-tier strugglers Port Vale produced a remarkable upset to knock Sunderland out of the competition with a 1–0 fifth-round victory, booking a place in the quarter-finals for the first time since 1954.
It was a humiliating defeat for Sunderland, who have impressed during their first season back in the Premier League under manager Régis Le Bris. But against a side sitting near the bottom of League One, they delivered a flat and forgettable performance.
The decisive moment arrived in the 28th minute when Ben Waine rose highest to head home after slack defending from Sunderland. The goal sparked wild celebrations inside Vale Park and ultimately proved enough to send Port Vale through.
The result was even more remarkable considering the 56-place gap in the English football pyramid between the two teams.
For Port Vale manager Jon Brady, it was a career-defining moment. The 50-year-old Australian, who replaced Darren Moore in January, has spent much of his coaching career outside the spotlight with clubs like Brackley and Northampton.
“I’m trying to let it sink in at the moment. It was tremendous from the boys, we had to suffer at times,” Brady said.
“I couldn’t believe we were in the last 16, I told my kids we were in the last 32 by mistake.
“It’s nice to create history, isn’t it!”
The win will also delight the club’s most famous supporter — pop star Robbie Williams, who grew up near Vale Park in Burslem and now serves as the club’s president.
Southampton Edge Fulham Late
Elsewhere on Sunday, Southampton produced their own FA Cup surprise with a dramatic 1–0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage.
The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time when Ross Stewart calmly converted a penalty, sealing Southampton’s place in the quarter-finals.
(with AFP inputs)
March 08, 2026, 22:38 IST
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