Third-tier strugglers Port Vale produced one of the biggest shocks of this season’s FA Cup after defeating Sunderland 1-0 on Sunday to secure a historic place in the quarter-finals.
The League One side, currently battling relegation, relied on a first-half strike from Ben Waine to topple their Premier League opponents. Waine’s 28th-minute goal proved decisive as the hosts defended resolutely to seal their first last-eight appearance in the competition since 1954.
Early surprise as Southampton upset Fulham
Earlier on Sunday, there was another upset—though less dramatic—when Championship side Southampton edged past Fulham 1-0 away from home.
A late penalty from substitute Ross Stewart secured the victory after Finn Azaz was fouled in the box by Joachim Andersen. The result made Southampton the first non-Premier League side to reach the quarter-finals this season.
Leeds prevent Premier League clean sweep
There was some relief for top-flight clubs as Leeds United comfortably beat Norwich City 3-0 at Elland Road. Goals from Sean Longstaff, Gabriel Gudmundsson, and Joel Piroe secured their progression to the next round.
Waine’s moment of magic
Port Vale’s winning goal came after Sunderland failed to properly clear a corner, allowing Waine to head home from close range. The New Zealand international celebrated by raising one arm in tribute to former striker Alan Shearer, echoing the iconic goal celebration.
The 24-year-old has been in fine form, having also scored the winner in midweek against Bristol City in a delayed fourth-round tie.
“We’re on a bit of a roll at the moment,” Waine said after the match. “It might not have been pretty, but we fought for everything and I think we deserved the result.”
Mixed feelings for Port Vale boss
Despite the historic victory, Port Vale manager Jon Brady admitted the result could complicate the club’s congested schedule as they fight to avoid relegation from EFL League One.
“I’m still a bit in shock,” Brady said. “Things went our way today, but the extra fixtures will make our league battle even tougher.”
Sunderland left frustrated
For Sunderland and their manager Regis Le Bris, the defeat was a major disappointment. The club recently reached the 40-point mark in their first season back in the Premier League and appeared comfortably safe from relegation.
“The Premier League is our main objective,” Le Bris said. “But if you don’t perform at your best in this competition, you get punished—and that’s exactly what happened.”
Quarter-final line-up taking shape
Southampton and Port Vale join a strong group already through to the FA Cup quarter-finals, including Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool.
The final spot will be decided on Monday when West Ham United face Brentford. Photo by LHC88, Wikimedia commons.
Naomi Atkin