Brady says Vale squad 'one of my best' after cup win

Port Vale manager Jon Brady says his current squad is "one of the best groups I've ever had" after watching his team upset Championship side Bristol City to make the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time in 30 years.

Ben Waine's strike in the second period of extra time proved enough for Vale as they edged the Robins 1-0 and move beyond round four for the first time since 1996.

Vale, currently bottom of League One and 10 points from safety, will now take on Premier League Sunderland at Vale Park on Sunday for a place in the quarter-finals (13:30 GMT).

"I've had some groups, I've managed over 500 games in my time and no matter how this goes from now to the end of the season this is one of the best groups I've ever had," Brady told BBC Radio Stoke.

"It's incredible, they've worked so hard for each other they're so connected to each other.

"We're doing something in the moment, they're finding out each other's stories through their journey in life and it's really connecting them. It's very special."

Brady, who has been in charge at Vale since 9 January,said beating City "will live long in the memories" of everyone connected with the club and added it was "really important" the players were able "to give back" to the fans and "see the joy on their faces".

The victory was Vale second in three games in all competitions and their league form has also picked up with only two defeats in their past seven matches, raising hope they might still pull off a miraculous escape from relegation.

"They were going through such hard times they're turning up smiling working hard never giving in," Brady added.

"Now we've just got them more connected together and results are starting to pay dividends

"I'm always proud of this group since I've been here because people at the start probably doubted, but now what we're trying to instil is paying dividends and long may that continue."