Port Vale Secure Historic FA Cup Fifth Round Berth
London, 8 March 2026 – Port Vale Football Club has reached the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time in 30 years following a dramatic victory over Bristol City. The Valiants, currently competing in League One, secured their progression through a Ben Waine strike in extra time, setting up a high-profile encounter against Premier League side Sunderland. The match, scheduled for today at Vale Park, marks a significant milestone for the club, which last reached this stage of the competition in 1996.
FA Cup Progress and Sunderland Clash
The road to the fifth round has been defined by resilient performances under manager Jon Brady. After defeating Blackpool 1-0 in the first round, Port Vale produced a major upset by eliminating Championship side Bristol City with a 1-0 win at Vale Park on 3 March 2026. The victory has generated significant momentum, despite the club’s challenging form in League One, where they recently rescued a point in a -1 draw against Reading thanks to a 96th-minute equaliser from Martin Sherif.
For today’s fixture against Sunderland, Vale Park will see the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology for the first time in its history. Experienced official Anthony Taylor has been appointed to take charge of the match. Manager Jon Brady has described the tie as the “ultimate test,” while also noting that the current condition of the pitch could prove a “banana skin” for the top-flight visitors.
Key Facts: Port Vale F.C. & Vale Park
Port Vale has remained at its current home, Vale Park, since 1950. Known historically as the “Wembley of the North” in its original ambitious design, the stadium remains one of the largest in the lower leagues by dimensions and capacity.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Stadium Name | Vale Park |
| Current Capacity | 19,052 |
| Record Attendance | 49,768 (vs Aston Villa, 1960) |
| Opened | 24 August 1950 |
| Pitch Size | 104m x 70.5m |
| Manager | Jon Brady |
| Recent Result | Port Vale 1-0 Bristol City (AET) |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the last time Port Vale reached the FA Cup Fifth Round?
Prior to the 2025/26 season, Port Vale last reached the fifth round of the FA Cup in 1996. Their 1-0 victory over Bristol City on 3 March 2026 ended a 30-year wait to return to this stage of the tournament.
Is VAR being used at Vale Park?
Yes. Due to the requirements of the FA Cup fifth round when hosting Premier League opposition, VAR technology is being utilised at Vale Park for the first time during the match against Sunderland on 8 March 2026.
Who scored the winning goal to put Port Vale into the Fifth Round?
Ben Waine scored the decisive goal in extra time during the fourth-round replay against Bristol City, securing the 1-0 win that allowed Port Vale to progress.