Football Daily FA Cup Debrief: Port Vale shock Sunderland and Wrexham almost get a Hollywood ending
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Mar 8, 2026 
Luke Edwards, The Telegraph’s northern football writer, breaks down tactics and match drama. Andy Cole, two-time FA Cup winner and former striker, adds player and manager perspective. They cover Port Vale’s shock win over Sunderland, Wrexham’s near-miss with Chelsea, Mansfield’s brave showing against Arsenal, Southampton upsetting Fulham, and Manchester City’s rotated but clinical display.
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Port Vale's Fairy Tale Cup Night
- Port Vale's win over Sunderland felt like a once-in-a-generation moment for a struggling club that had won only six league games all season.
- Ben Waine scored the winner, John Askey/John Brady's changes and team bonding lifted a bottom-of-League-One side to their first FA Cup quarterfinal since 1954.
Pitch Conditions Shift Tactical Edge
- Muddy, bobbly pitches can neutralise technical sides and favour dogs-of-war teams that work harder and defend resolutely.
- Luke Edwards argued Sunderland couldn't cope with Vale's pitch and intensity, which helped Port Vale nullify the Premier League side.
Wrexham's Near Hollywood Cup Night
- Wrexham pushed Chelsea to extra time and almost produced a Hollywood ending before VAR interventions swung the tie.
- A VAR-upgraded red for George Dobson and a disallowed Luis Longstaff goal ultimately denied Wrexham a historic quarterfinal berth.