BRILLIANT VALE KEEP RIGHT ON TO PULL OFF CUP SHOCK

DEFIANT Port Vale overcame a massive hurdle at St Andrew's as they beat big money Birmingham City in a League Cup second round thriller.

- Clive Youlton

It was the club's second win of the campaign in seven outings, with both coming in this competition and it was a simply magnificent display from Darren Moore's side.

Incredible spirit, gladiatorial defending and a downright refusal to be beaten saw them upset the odds.

A wonderful goal from Jaheim Headley was enough to win a pulsating tie that crackled from start to finish.

Vale are now through to a third round tie scheduled for either the week commencing September 15 or 22.

Having changed six of his team for the League One clash against Doncaster, Moore trumped that total by making seven alterations here.

Out went Mitch Clark, Kyle John, Connor Hall, Funso Ojo, Ben Garrity, Jordan Shipley and Ben Waine.

In their places came Jordan Gabriel, Jesse Debrah, Ben Heneghan, Liam Gordon, Ryan Croasdale, Rhys Walters and Ronan Curtis.

In from the cold among the nine substitutes was Jack Shorrock while Ruari Paton was included in a matchday squad for the first time this season after injury.

Jayden Stockley remains out injured, George Byers was completing his three-match ban and there was still no sign of Sam Hart.

Birmingham made nine changes themselves but were still able to field a team that would give most clubs in the Championship a run for their money.

It was a raucous atmosphere inside a bouncing stadium sparked of course by the Tom Brady effect. Headley was playing further forward down the left in front of Liam Gordon and that proved to be an attacking weapon for the visitors. Birmingham put Vale under tremendous pressure in the opening phases and Vale found it extremely difficult to get their foot on the ball.