Port Vale booked their place in the FA Cup fourth round thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time winner at Vale Park, handing Jon Brady a perfect start as manager in his first game in charge. The League One side overcame Fleetwood Town 1-0, marking their first progression beyond this stage of the competition since the 2013-14 season.

The decisive moment came at the very end of the first half when a precise cutback from Devante Cole found Matty Shipley, who slotted the ball into the bottom corner to secure all three points for the home side. The victory also represents back-to-back wins for Port Vale, who had been struggling at the bottom of League One before Darren Moore’s departure.

Fleetwood Suffer Setback With Early Injury

Fleetwood’s afternoon was marred by the early loss of Lewis McCann, who was forced off the pitch after lengthy medical treatment following a challenge from Ben Heneghan. The midfielder appeared in distress immediately after the tackle, receiving over eight minutes of on-field attention before being stretchered off. His exit left Fleetwood with reduced options as they looked to find an equalizer.

Key Match Highlights

Fleetwood had early chances to break the deadlock. Harrison Neal tested Port Vale goalkeeper Joe Gauci after 22 minutes with a powerful shot, and Jordan Davies fired over the bar shortly afterward. The home side responded with several opportunities, most notably when George Hall threaded a pass to Devante Cole, whose close-range effort was tipped onto the bar by Fleetwood keeper David Harrington.

After McCann’s injury, the match remained tightly contested. Port Vale threatened in the second half, with George Byers flashing a shot across goal and Ben Waine just inches away from connecting. Fleetwood’s Ethan Ennis also went close with a well-constructed chance, only finding the side-netting. Late in the game, Shaun Rooney had a golden opportunity to level for the visitors, but his header from six yards failed to find the target.

Late Drama Secures Port Vale Victory

Despite intense pressure from Fleetwood in the closing minutes, Port Vale held firm. Substitute Matty Virtue narrowly missed a late chance to double the lead, and Mo Faal forced the Fleetwood defense to remain alert to secure the narrow win.

Manager Jon Brady praised his team’s resilience:

“I’ve loved every minute. The players showed determination and composure under pressure, especially after the injury and late spells of Fleetwood dominance. It’s a great result for everyone at the club.”

Fleetwood boss Pete Wild acknowledged the challenge his side faced:

“We just had to ride the storm. The lads created chances but couldn’t convert them. Credit to Port Vale; they defended well and took their chance at the crucial moment.”

Player of the Match

• Ben Heneghan (4, Port Vale) – 7.29: Dominant defensively, crucial in shielding the Vale goal and contributing to the team’s stability.
• Matty Shipley (26, Port Vale) – 6.65: Scored the decisive goal, combining well with Devante Cole.
• Joe Gauci (46, Port Vale) – 6.22: Solid in goal, making key saves to maintain the clean sheet.

Fleetwood had notable performers such as M. Clark (7.07) and M. Johnson (7.05), but ultimately could not break down Port Vale’s defensive organization.

Implications for Port Vale

The victory lifts Port Vale’s spirits as they seek to escape the League One relegation zone, proving their resilience under new manager Jon Brady. Progressing to the fourth round of the FA Cup provides a morale boost and a chance to face higher-profile opponents in the next stage of the competition.

Fleetwood, meanwhile, must regroup after a frustrating exit and focus on their league campaign, where missed opportunities and injuries played a key role in their FA Cup defeat.