Port Vale delivered a stunning 1-0 victory over Premier League side Sunderland to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals for only the second time in their history. The League One strugglers, bottom of the table and 11 points from safety, have now won seven cup matches this season compared to just six league victories in 32 games.

Ben Waine's header proved decisive, with the New Zealand striker scoring against his boyhood Newcastle rivals' bitter enemies. The win came just days after Vale's victory over Championship side Bristol City, making it a remarkable week for manager Jon Brady's team. Five of Vale's six league wins have come in 2026, with four since Brady took charge in January.

Former Brighton striker Glenn Murray praised Vale's performance, noting their brilliance despite poor league form. Sunderland, fielding a strong side with only two changes from their midweek Premier League win, never found their rhythm. Ex-Black Cats midfielder Andy Reid described how Vale won every second ball and defended valiantly throughout.

This season's FA Cup has produced another memorable upset, with Port Vale becoming the lowest-ranked team in the last eight. While their league campaign has been disastrous, this cup run provides hope and belief that they can turn their fortunes around, proving that magic still exists in English football's oldest competition.