Ben Waine, a Newcastle fan from New Zealand, scored the winning goal as Port Vale, bottom of League One, knocked Premier League side Sunderland out of the FA Cup to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in 72 years. Waine's celebration, a replica of Alan Shearer's trademark single-arm raise, was directed at the travelling Sunderland fans.
The 56 league places between the sides were negated by a rutted pitch and a vociferous capacity crowd of 10,685. Waine, who also scored the winner in the fourth round against Bristol City, headed home from close range in the 26th minute after a corner. The goal came after Sunderland goalkeeper Melker Ellborg had made a remarkable headed clearance from his own captain's back-pass.
Sunderland, enjoying an excellent first season back in the Premier League, named a strong side but could not break down a resolute Port Vale defence. Joe Gauci made several fine saves, including a goal-line stop from Chemsdine Talbi and a tip-over from Dan Ballard. The visitors also had a goal disallowed and a penalty appeal turned down.
Port Vale manager Jon Brady said: 'It hasn't really sunk in. I'm just really happy with the boys. We've got to compartmentalise because we've got a quarter of the league season and an FA Cup tie to play in eight weeks.' Waine added: 'I was in dreamland. I had been thinking about the Shearer celebration before the game.'
