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 celebrated by mimicking Alan Shearer's trademark single-arm salute in front of the travelling Sunderland fans, a gesture that was retweeted by the Newcastle legend himself.
The 56 league places between the sides were rendered irrelevant on a rutted pitch at Vale Park, where a capacity crowd of 10,685 roared on Jon Brady's side. 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 routine. The goal came after Sunderland goalkeeper Melker Ellborg was forced to head over his own crossbar under pressure from Port Vale's Luke O'Nien.
Sunderland, enjoying an excellent first season back in the Premier League, named a strong side but struggled to break down a resolute Port Vale defence. Joe Gauci was in superb form in goal for the hosts, making several crucial saves, including a goal-line clearance from Chemsdine Talbi. The visitors also had a goal disallowed and saw a penalty appeal turned down.
Port Vale manager Jon Brady said the achievement had not yet sunk in, but acknowledged the challenge ahead: a relegation battle in League One alongside the FA Cup run. '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,' he said. 'It's a privilege but it's tough as well.'
