League Two side Port Vale took a vital victory over fellow play-off chasers Sutton United on Saturday, making history in the process.
The Midlands side dug deep to earn a 2-0 victory at Vale Park. Striker James Wilson bundled home the ball to give Vale an early lead. About twenty minutes after, the home side doubled their advantage through Jamie Proctor.
Proctor scored a stunning Paolo Di Canio-esque scissor-kick volley from the edge of the box to make the game 2-0.
As a result, Port Vale are in fourth in League Two, with visitors Sutton down in tenth. Despite the difference in league position, there are just two points between Vale and Sutton United. The League Two play-off race will surely go down to the wire.
With their win, Port Vale also created their very own piece of history.
A historic record for Port Vale
Vale are the first side to beat all other 91 teams in the top four divisions of English football in competitive league games after beating newcomers Sutton. This unbelievable stat was 130 years in the making.
The League Two team announced the piece of history on their Twitter, thanks to research by club historian Phil Sherwin. Some users were very impressed with Vale’s achievement, with others trying to work out just how they managed it.
“Fantastic stat,” commented one user. “I’m trying to think when you could have played Arsenal or Everton in a league game.”
“Damn! What a record! Would be great to see the details of each win underneath their club badge!” wrote another.
Considering that Port Vale have never played in the top flight of English football, it is incredible how they achieved such a feat.
A long time coming
The Midlands side’s first competitive league victory came all the way back in 1892. Known back then as Burslem Port Vale, they beat Leicester City 3-1 on 19th April 1892. From this, a long run of numerous promotions and relegations up and down the football pyramid gave Port Vale the chance to play a lot of teams.
Of course, some teams have been beaten more recently than others. A handy Reddit post shows Port Vale’s last win against all of the other 91 teams.
Amazingly, Vale managed to get their win against Arsenal back in 1901, but have not beaten the Gunners in a league game since. Similarly, their last league wins over Chelsea and Manchester United came over 90 years ago.
Congratulations to Port Vale on a remarkable piece of history. Which team could be next?
Featured Image Credit: Getty
