FA Cup
1:30 p.mMarch 8, 2026
Round of 16
Park of the Valley
Referee: Anthony Taylor, England
Port Vale
Sunderland
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
0.00
Expected Goals (xG)
0.00
Passing by
122 (60%)
Accurate passes
361 (80%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
46
G
Joe Gauci
8.0
15
d
Liam Gordon
6.9
5
d
Connor Hall
7.0
25
d
Cameron Humphreys
7.0
24
d
Kyle John (C)
6.9
6
d
Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel
8.0
11
m
Ethan Archer
6.9
14
m
Funso Ojo
6.9
12
m
Rhys Walters
6.3
m
Ben Wayne
28′
54′ HoldingF
Dajaune Brown
30′ 
28′ G
Melker Ellborg
61′ Stumbled
13
d
Luke O’Nien (C)
7.6
15
d
Omar Alderete
7.5
5
d
Daniel Ballard
6.3
6
d
Lotharel Geertruida
6.7
28
m
Enzo The Fairy
7.6
19
m
Habib Diarra
6.3
7
m
Chemsdine Talbi
6.2
11
m
Chris Rigg
6.9
10
m
Nelson Angle
6.9
12
F
Eliezer Mayenda
5.7
Substitutes
F
Wilson Isidor
68′ Replaced by C. Talbim
Granit Xhaka
83′ Replaced by C. Rigg
21
G
Simon Moore
51
d
Jenson Jones
30
m
Milan Aleksic
50
m
Harrison Jones
53
m
Jack Whittaker
29
F
Ahmed Abdullahi
74
F
Finn Geragusyan
No ranking data available for this league
Port Vale cruised to a monumental FA Cup victory over Sunderland, with Ben Waine’s first-half goal proving decisive at Vale Park.
Port Vale stunned Championship visitors Sunderland 1-0 in a dramatic FA Cup clash at Vale Park on 8 March 2026. Ben Waine emerged as the hero for the League One side, scoring the lone goal that separated the sides.
This FA Cup tie pitted the lower league Valiants against their higher Championship opponents. Sunderland arrived aiming for a deep cup run. However, Port Vale were determined to make their home advantage count in front of their passionate supporters.
The game started with Sunderland dominating possession, controlling the midfield. They pressed high and looked to dictate the game. Port Vale defended resolutely, absorbing early pressure from the Black Cats without conceding many clear-cut chances.
Against the run of play, Port Vale broke the deadlock. In the 28th minute, Ben Waine scored after receiving a pass from David Brown. Waine drilled a low shot past the keeper, sending Vale Park into ecstasy.
The goal ignited the atmosphere in the venue. Just two minutes later, Port Vale’s David Brown was booked for a foul. Sunderland pushed for an immediate equalizer but found Joe Gauci in fine form in the Vale goal.
The half-time whistle blew with Port Vale holding on to a surprising but deserved lead. Sunderland needed to turn their important possession into more dangerous attacks. Port Vale, meanwhile, focused on maintaining their defensive shape and denying space.
Sunderland stepped up their attack after the break. They created several chances, forcing Joe Gauci into crucial saves. The Port Vale keeper made five vital saves throughout the game, earning him a good rating.
The physical nature of the game continued in the second half. Waine was booked in the 54th minute, followed by Michael Ellborg for Sunderland in the 61st minute. Jack Brady also saw yellow for Port Vale in the 63rd minute.
Both teams made substitutions to renew their lineups and alter tactics. It should be noted that Waine was substituted in the 88th minute after his goal-scoring heroics. Port Vale held firm as the clock ticked down, with Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel excellent in defence.
The stats highlighted Sunderland’s dominance in possession with 69% and 17 total shots. However, Port Vale’s one-time strike secured their victory. Both teams recorded 0 expected goals (xG), indicating a game with few really clear scoring opportunities.
This memorable FA Cup upset sends Port Vale into the next round of the competition. Sunderland will reflect on a missed opportunity against a determined opponent. The Valiants celebrated a hard-fought win at Vale Park.
