Port Vale Shocks Bristol City in FA Cup
“Ben Waine earned League One Port Vale an FA Cup fifth-round visit from Premier League Sunderland on Sunday after shocking Championship Bristol City 1-0 with a 112th-minute extra-time winner,” said a source close to the match. This statement encapsulates the drama that unfolded at Vale Park, where Port Vale secured a memorable victory.
The match, played on March 3, 2026, saw both teams struggle to find the net during regulation time, leading to a tense extra period. Despite being the underdogs, Port Vale managed to capitalize on their opportunities, with Waine’s late goal sealing the fate of the Championship side.
Port Vale’s triumph was particularly significant as it marked their first win against Bristol City in ten meetings. The victory came at a crucial time for Port Vale, who currently sit at the bottom of League One. The win not only boosts their morale but also provides a much-needed highlight in a challenging season.
Bristol City, on the other hand, faced criticism from their supporters, with fans expressing their frustration by chanting, “This is embarrassing” and “Sack the board.” The team made eight changes to their lineup for this match, which may have contributed to their lackluster performance, including failing to register a single shot on target in the first half.
More than 1,600 Bristol City fans made the journey to Vale Park, hoping to see their team advance in the FA Cup. However, their hopes were dashed as Port Vale’s defense held strong against the Championship side’s attacks. The match completed a Bristol double for Port Vale, having previously defeated Bristol Rovers in the second round.
Looking ahead, Port Vale will host Sunderland in the fifth round of the FA Cup, a matchup that promises to be exciting as they face a Premier League opponent. Meanwhile, Bristol City will turn their focus back to the Championship, where they are set to host Coventry City in their next fixture.
As the dust settles on this surprising FA Cup encounter, both teams will reflect on their performances and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. Port Vale’s victory serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of cup competitions, while Bristol City will need to regroup and address the concerns raised by their supporters.


