Port Vale, bottom of League One, have reached the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time in 72 years after a 1-0 victory over Premier League side Sunderland. Ben Waine scored the winner, celebrating with Alan Shearer's trademark single-arm salute in front of the travelling Sunderland fans. The New Zealand forward, a Newcastle United supporter, had been planning the celebration before the match.
Waine, who also scored the winner in the fourth-round replay against Bristol City, has now netted decisive goals in three Cup ties this season. The win extends Vale's remarkable Cup run, with five victories in the competition this season—only one fewer than their league wins. Manager Jon Brady described the achievement as 'dreamland' and admitted it hasn't sunk in yet.
The match was played on a heavily rutted pitch that levelled the technical gap between the sides. Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris acknowledged the conditions but refused to use them as an excuse. Vale goalkeeper Joe Gauci made several crucial saves, including a goal-line clearance and a tip-over from Dan Ballard, to preserve the clean sheet.
Vale's defensive organisation and energy frustrated Sunderland throughout. The visitors had chances, with Habib Diarra shooting across goal and having a lofted effort cleared off the line, but they could not find a way past Gauci. Sunderland captain Luke O'Nien almost scored an own goal in the first half, forcing goalkeeper Melker Ellborg to head over his own crossbar.
The winning goal came from a corner in the 26th minute. Ethon Archer crossed long, and after a mis-hit from Dajaune Brown, Waine headed in at the near post. Vale also had a penalty shout when Andre Gray played George Hall through, only for Ellborg to foul him outside the area, earning a yellow card. Brady now faces a busy schedule with a relegation battle and a Cup quarter-final ahead.
