FA Cup 2nd Rnd Replay: Chasetown 1 Port Vale 0
Chasetown caused one of the biggest FA Cup upsets of recent times when they sensationally knocked out League One side Port Vale with an 89th-minute wonder strike from substitute Danny Smith.
The British Gas Business Midland Division minnows survived two second-half penalties to pull off an unlikely victory against a side five levels and 108 places higher than them.
Amid freezing conditions, Chasetown held their nerve throughout and matched Vale in every department before Smith delivered the killer blow, diving to head home a Kyle Perry cross.
The victory now secures Chasetown a home clash with Championship side Cardiff City in the third round following what proved the greatest night in their history.
Ecstatic Chasetown manager Charlie Blakemore admitted: "People tell me the magic is going out of football - but when you have a game like this, it restores your faith."
But Chasetown celebrations looked a long way off when Port Vale were awarded two controversial penalties early in the second half.
Central defender Vaughan Thomas was judged to have brought down Vale striker Calum Willock as he tried to turn after 48 minutes.
Vale dangerman Luke Rodgers stepped up and promptly smashed his spot-kick against the crossbar before the ball rolled to safety.
But the drama was far from over as referee Anthony Taylor awarded Vale a second penalty on 55 minutes, when Thomas and Nick Hawkins were judged to have sandwiched Rodgers.
This time Rodgers tried to place his shot, but goalkeeper Lee Evans guessed correctly and got down to save.
Chasetown grew in stature as the tie progressed and Vale, for all their possession posed little threat in front of goal.
Thomas, who was in the thick of Chasetown's best defensive work, twice robbed Willock, when in a clear shooting position
during the first half. But at the opposite end Chasetown had their moments as well, especially from Mark Branch who delivered two wicked inswinging corners that Vale goalkeeper Joe Anyon did well to punch clear.
With extra time looming large, Chasetown striker Perry broke down the left and crossed for Smith, who dived to head home.
The Scholars still had to survive four minutes of added time - but the Scholars were in no mood to surrender their advantage before the 2,000 strong crowd errupted.
CHASETOWN: Evans; John Branch, Slater, Thomas, Williams, Mark Branch, Hawkins (Sam Smith, 74), Steane, Holland, Perry, Perrow (Danny Smith, 78). Subs: Edwards, Spacey, Sargeant.
PORT VALE: Anyon; Lowe, Pilkington, McGregor, Talbot (Richards, 89), Laird, Rodgers, Harsley, Whitaker, Willock, Salmon. Subs: Martin, Miles, Glover, Lawrie.
Referee: Neil Swarbrick (Lancashire).
Booking: Chasetown - Williams.
Attendance: 1,986.
