League One side Port Vale produced a major upset in the FA Cup after eliminating Premier League outfit Sunderland with a 1-0 victory to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in 72 years.
Ben Waine scored the decisive goal for the struggling League One side, heading home from close range to seal a famous win at Vale Park and continue their remarkable cup run.
The result marks one of the biggest shocks of this season’s FA Cup, with Port Vale; currently bottom of League One defying the odds to knock out a Sunderland side enjoying a strong campaign in the Premier League.
Port Vale, currently bottom of League One, defied the 56-place gap between the two sides to produce a famous upset at Vale Park. Despite Sunderland enjoying more possession and creating several chances, the hosts capitalised from a corner in the first half when Waine headed home from close range after a scramble inside the box.
Sunderland goalkeeper Melker Ellborg had earlier produced an unusual save by heading a misjudged backpass over his own crossbar to prevent an own goal, while Vale keeper Joe Gauci made a series of crucial saves to keep the visitors at bay.
The Premier League side pushed for an equaliser in the second half, with chances falling to Habib Diarra and Chemsdine Talbi, but Vale held firm in front of a passionate home crowd.
The result marks one of the biggest shocks of this season’s FA Cup and sends Port Vale into the last eight for the first time since 1954, keeping alive a memorable cup run for the struggling League One side.
