Port Vale have coped with pretty much every kind of challenge during their sensational run in this season's FA Cup.
Published April 2, 2026 • Source: bbc.com
Port Vale have coped with pretty much every kind of challenge during their sensational run in this season's FA Cup.
They have avoided slip-ups against non-leaguers, seen off League Two challengers and Championship stalwarts and, most impressive of all, beaten Premier League Sunderland.
On Saturday (17:15 BST) they embark on their greatest challenge - a trip to Chelsea, eight-time winners of the competition.
It is Vale's first FA Cup quarter-final in 72 years. Six thousand travelling fans will watch on from the Shed End in the hope of seeing more history made.
As a first semi-final since 1954 beckons, poet Steven Beattie has crafted an inspirational piece of work for BBC Radio Stoke called 'Oatcakes & Iron Will'.