Credit: BBC Match of the Day, TNT Sports Football

Evan Lloyd

Mon 9 March 2026 10:52, UK

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Sunderland were dumped out of the FA Cup by League One side Port Vale on Sunday in a massive upset.

Ben Waine’s first-half header was the difference between the sides, but it could have been even worse for the Black Cats.

Melker Ellborg, who arrived from Malmo in a deal worth around £3million in the winter transfer window, was required to make a staggering save just before the opening goal.

Luke O’Nien’s wild back pass looked destined for the goal before the goalkeeper leapt up to head it over the crossbar.

Sunderland would go on to lose anyway, but the moment made for a memorable FA Cup debut for Ellborg.

Glenn Murray stunned by Melker Ellborg stop

Ellborg, 22, was identified by Sunderland as a potential goalkeeper for the future, after he had impressed in Sweden.

The Black Cats’ number one, Robin Roefs, only arrived in the summer and is just 23, but he is already attracting interest from elsewhere.

Football Insider exclusively revealed on Saturday that Chelsea want to sign Roefs, and are accelerating their interest in the Dutchman.

The Netherlands international has enjoyed a superb opening season, and Sunderland will hope to keep him at the Stadium of Light for now.

They look to have signed a strong backup option, however, with Ellborg catching eyes for his superb moment on Sunday.

O’Nien’s back pass had been far too powerful, and was heading over the goalkeeper and into the Sunderland goal.

But Ellborg sprinted back and managed to head the ball over, knowing that Port Vale would have been awarded an indirect free-kick inside the box had he used his hands.

“An exceptional save I think, in the manner of the circumstances it came about,” said Murray when asked about the moment on BBC Match of the Day on Sunday.

“It’s actually Waine who’s putting the pressure on O’Nien. O’Nien looks up and his goalkeeper is not exactly where he’s passing the ball. He has to retreat 24 yards to get this ball.

“It’s over his head, and I think his reaction time and the way he’s read the situation is absolutely exceptional. He knows in this situation that he can’t handle the ball at all, and this leap here and to be able to nod it over the top and flick it on, is wonderful goalkeeping.”

Ellborg will feel disappointed with Port Vale goal

Having just made such a stunning save to keep out his own man, Ellborg may feel disappointed he could not keep out Waine’s goal.

The ball had popped up to the forward after pinballing around the box, with his header looping over the top of the Sunderland shot-stopper.

But Ellborg may rue a step to his right in the moments before Waine’s header. The 22-year-old seemingly stepped across to cover his near post, but the movement left him off balance and jumping backwards to reach for the ball.

It was certainly not the Swede’s error, but he will want to learn lessons when watching it back.