Fans react to the end of the FA Cup fairytale as Port Vale loses 7-0 to Chelsea
By William Vickers 7th Apr 2026
Port Vale, who are ranked 64th in the professional leagues, made a 'miracle' happen by reaching the last eight of the Emirates FA Cup quarter finals.
The local League One team lost 7-0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday 4 April.
It comes after Vale beat Sunderland 1-0 on 8 March to reach the quarter finals.
This marked the furthest that the team had reached in 72 years and was described by one fan as "an absolute miracle".
Around 6,000 Vale fans descended on Stamford Bridge to watch them take on the premier league team.
One fan reacted: "It was no worse than we see most weeks.
"Our team has been systematically dismantled, and we are left with a team of pub players".
Another fan on social media commented: "I found the day at Stamford Bridge a bit underwhelming in fairness.
"The home crowd disappointed me as much as our performance. I expected a better atmosphere on the build up but felt like a trip to the shops outside.
"I understand the early goal flattened our very slim chances, but one thing about the day is the biggest positive - our fans didn't let the score line dampen the day too much.
"I'm glad I went even if it was for the occasion and not the match. Even John Rudge's side never got that far so how did this side get this far."
Another supporter offered a more positive view and said: "Given the season we've had I'm just really glad the club will get a good windfall from these extra games".
The FA Cup, which dates all the way back to 1871, enables lower tier football teams to compete against the 'best of the best' in a knockout format.
This has led to several 'Cinderella' stories over the years such as Lincoln City knocking out Burnley in 2017, the furthest they had reached in 103 years.
Barnsley beat Chelsea 1-0 in the fifth round in 2008, only to finish 18th place in the championship. They were the only team to beat Chelsea in the FA Cup in four years as Chelsea were crowned champions in 2007, 2009 and 2010.
Watford beat Arsenal 3-1 in 1987, when all four of the FA Cup quarter finals were won by the away team for the first time ever.
Despite the loss, Port Vale arguably became the latest addition to this list when they qualified to take on Chelsea in the quarter finals.
Port Vale's results in the FA Cup:
- Port Vale v Fleetwood 1-0 (3rd round)
- Port Vale v Bristol City 1-0 (4th round)
- Port Vale v Sunderland 1-0 (5th round)
- Chelsea v Port Vale 7-0 (Quarter finals)
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