Port Vale shock Sunderland to reach FA Cup quarters | OneFootball

Port Vale pulled off a stunning FA Cup upset as the League One bottom side defeated Premier League outfit Sunderland 1-0 to reach the quarter-finals.

Despite sitting bottom of the third tier and facing a team from the top flight, Vale produced a determined performance at Vale Park to secure a memorable victory.

The only goal arrived in the first half when Ben Waine reacted quickest after a corner caused confusion in the Sunderland penalty area. The forward guided a looping header over Melker Ellborg, sparking wild celebrations among the home supporters.

The Black Cats had made the brighter start and nearly went ahead inside four minutes when Eliezer Mayenda headed against the post from close range. However, that early opportunity proved to be their clearest moment of the match.

After Waine's goal, the Vale focused on defensive discipline, often sitting deep and forcing Sunderland to search for openings. 

As the game progressed, the visitors pushed forward with greater urgency, particularly after the break, but Vale continued to defend stubbornly and limit the number of clear chances.

The result marks Port Vale’s first FA Cup quarter-final appearance since 1954 and provides a rare highlight in a difficult campaign for a side currently fighting relegation in League One.

Incidents: The story of the match

Port Vale Official Line-ups:

Joe Gauci, Jordan Gabriel, Kyle John, Cameron Humphreys, Connor Hall, Liam Gordon, Ethon Archer, Funso Ojo, Rhys Walters, Dajaune Brown, Ben Waine

Sunderland Official Line-ups:

Melker Ellborg, Lutsharel Geertruida, Luke O´Nien, Daniel Ballard, Omar Alderete, Enzo Le Fée, Habib Diarra, Chris Rigg, Chemsdine Talbi, Eliezer Mayenda, Nilson Angulo

1':

The match begins

2':

Missed opportunity. Connor Hall from Port Vale took a left-footed shot from the middle of the penalty area after a corner kick.

Port Vale takes the lead with a score of 1-0 against Sunderland. Ben Waine scores with a header from the center of the penalty area, placing the ball into the top right corner of the net. The assist comes from Dajaune Brown after a corner kick.

28':

GOAL Port Vale: Ben Waine (Port Vale) scores!

Ben Waine scores goal number 3 in the competition (4 matches)

33':

Missed opportunity. Habib Diarra from Sunderland took a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area.

39':

Missed opportunity! Dajaune Brown from Port Vale took a right-footed shot from the middle of the penalty area, but it went wide.

39':

Missed opportunity! Dajaune Brown of Port Vale took a right-footed shot from the middle of the box, but it went wide to the left. The attempt was set up by Ethon Archer.

41':

Missed opportunity! Habib Diarra from Sunderland heads the ball from the center of the box, but it goes wide to the right. The cross was delivered by Nilson Angulo.

45':

Missed opportunity! Habib Diarra from Sunderland took a right-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area, but it went wide to the left. The assist came from Nilson Angulo.

53':

Missed opportunity! Eliezer Mayenda from Sunderland had a header from the middle of the box after a set piece, but it went wide.

68':

Missed opportunity! Dan Ballard from Sunderland had a header from close range, but it sailed just over the bar. The chance was set up by Enzo Le Fée, who delivered a cross after a corner kick.

90 +2':

Missed opportunity! Andre Gray from Port Vale took a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it went wide to the left. The assist came from Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel.

90 +3':

Missed opportunity! Enzo Le Fée from Sunderland takes a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it sails over the crossbar.

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match