Port Vale Shock Sunderland While Southampton Overcome Fulham in FA Cup Upsets

Sunderland endured a humiliating FA Cup fifth round defeat to third division underdogs Port Vale, meanwhile Championship outfit Southampton delivered a surprise win against Fulham on Sunday.

Sunderland have had a solid return to the Premier League this term, however this turned out to be a disheartening setback for Regis Le Bris and his players.

Ben Waine exploited slack defence to nod in the decisive goal during the 28th minute, propelling Port Vale into the FA Cup quarter finals for the first time in 70 years since 1954.

Jon Bradys team seem on course for the drop, yet they overcame second division Bristol City in the prior round and put on an extraordinary show that belittled the 56 position divide with Sunderland.

This underdog feat will thrill the clubs most renowned supporter, musician Robbie Williams, raised close to Vale Park in Burslem and now serving as president.

The result marked a special occasion for Brady, a 50 year old from Australia who stepped in for dismissed Darren Moore back in January, having built his coaching path quietly at Brackley and Northampton.

At Craven Cottage, Ross Stewarts composed penalty right at the end of added time confirmed Southamptons narrow 1-0 triumph.

The defeat was tough for Fulham boss Marco Silva, whose bold lineup risks ended up costing dearly.

Following a frustrating 1-0 Premier League loss to West Ham earlier that week, Silva shuffled nine spots in his team, but the adjustments did not yield the outcome he hoped for.

Southampton clinched it in the opening moment of injury time after Finn Azaz got tripped by Fulhams Joachim Andersen, with Stewart smashing the penalty beyond Benjamin Lecomte.

After dropping down from the Premier League last term, the Saints advance to the FA Cup last eight once more since 2022.

The Saints achievement stood as an apt homage to the clubs pinnacle historical success.

The squad sported a yellow tribute kit to celebrate 50 years on from donning those colours when Bobby Stokes extra time strike delivered second division Southamptons astonishing 1976 FA Cup final victory over Manchester United at Wembley.

Southamptons modern players have progress to make before matching the feats of Lawrie McMenemys legendary outfit.

Nevertheless Tonda Eckerts group boast a run of 10 unbeaten matches across all tournaments while eyeing FA Cup success alongside a shot at the Championship promotion playoffs.

You see how much it means to the club Eckert commented. Its been 50 years since we won it for the last time. Its important if you get that little bit of a taste how it feels to win football games, you just stay on the gas and keep going.

When we arrive on the coach and you look and the whole street is full of Southampton supporters and behind the goal is full of Southampton supporters, you can definitely say we feel the importance of it.

On Sunday evening Leeds entertain second division Norwich, as West Ham take on Brentford the following day Monday.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool secured their quarter final berths during Friday and Saturday.