Vale of shame as Black Cats bounce out

Sunderland suffered an embarrassing FA Cup fifth round exit against third-tier strugglers Port Vale, while Championship side Southampton stunned Fulham on Sunday.

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Port Vale's Ben Waine, in white t-shirt, scores their first goal past Sunderland goalkeeper Melker Ellborg.

(REUTERS)

Sunderland have enjoyed an impressive first season back in the Premier League, but this was a dismal defeat for Regis Le Bris’ side.

Ben Waine, a boyhood fan of Sunderland’s arch-rivals Newcastle, capitalised on poor marking to head the 28th minute winner, sending Port Vale into the FA Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 1954.

Jon Brady’s side appear destined for relegation, but they beat second-tier Bristol City in the fourth round and produced an even more remarkable performance to make a mockery of the 56-place gap between them and Sunderland.

The giant-killing will delight their most famous fan, pop star Robbie Williams, who grew up near their Vale Park stadium in Burslem, and is now the club's president.

Itwas also a memorable moment for Brady, a 50-year-old Australian who replaced the sacked Darren Moore in January and has spent his managerial career in the shadows with Brackley and Northampton.