Listen to Port Vale v Bristol City FA Cup Clash on BBC Radio 5 Live and Local Stations with Alistair Durden and Simon Humphreys

Football fans across the UK can tune into BBC Radio 5 Live and a host of local BBC stations tonight for comprehensive audio coverage of the rescheduled English FA Cup fourth-round tie between Port Vale and Bristol City at Vale Park. Kicking off at 19:45 UK time on Tuesday 3 March 2026, this match was postponed earlier due to bad weather, bringing League One strugglers Port Vale up against Championship playoff chasers Bristol City in what promises to be a David vs Goliath encounter.[1]

BBC leads the way with radio commentary, highlighted by BBC Radio 5 Live featuring reporter Sanny Rudravajhala, who brings his sharp insights from the touchline. Local flavours shine through on BBC Radio Bristol and BBC Radio Somerset with main commentator Alistair Durden and co-commentator Gary Owers, while BBC Radio Stoke boasts presenter Lucas Yeomans, main commentator Simon Humphreys, and co-commentator Phil Sproson. Fans can also access the action via the BBC Sounds app and BBC Sport Online audio, featuring the full lineup of Yeomans, Durden, Humphreys, Owers, and Sproson for an immersive experience.[1][3]

Highlights will follow on BBC television, ensuring every key moment is captured for later viewing. These BBC platforms offer the perfect way for supporters to follow this cup thriller without missing a beat, especially as Port Vale battle relegation under boss Jon Brady while Gerhard Struber's Robins eye playoffs.[1]

Alistair Durden, a seasoned voice in West Country football, has been a staple on BBC Radio Bristol for years, delivering expert analysis on Championship and lower-league action. His partnership with Gary Owers, a former Bristol Rovers manager with over 500 appearances as a player across the Football League, adds tactical depth drawn from Owers' coaching stints at Gary Owers' playing and managerial career. Meanwhile, Simon Humphreys commands respect on BBC Radio Stoke, known for his passionate Port Vale coverage and deep knowledge of the Valiants' history since joining the BBC team in the early 2000s.

Phil Sproson, co-commentator on Stoke's broadcast, is a club legend with over 500 appearances for Port Vale between 1979 and 1992, later transitioning into punditry where his no-nonsense views resonate with fans. Presenter Lucas Yeomans keeps proceedings smooth, building on his growing reputation in BBC local radio sports presenting. Reporter Sanny Rudravajhala rounds out the national coverage on Radio 5 Live, with his experience covering EFL matches bringing vivid pitch-side updates.[1]

This fixture pits Port Vale, 37 places below their opponents in the pyramid, against a Bristol City side unbeaten in nine meetings with the Valiants, the last defeat dating back to April 2004.[1] Port Vale's FA Cup campaign showed flair with a 5-1 thrashing of Watford in round three, though league woes highlight their inconsistency amid a relegation scrap.[1] Bristol City, chasing playoffs, may rotate but remain firm favourites, with previews predicting a 0-3 Robins win.[1]

Vale Park sets the stage for potential cup magic, where Brady's men could channel recent form—L W D L W L across competitions—into an upset.[1] For Bristol, progression means a fifth-round clash with Sunderland, keeping their season alive on two fronts.[1] History favours the visitors, but FA Cup lore thrives on surprises, especially with Port Vale's home support roaring them on.

Whether you're a Valiants die-hard craving every tackle or a Robins follower tracking cup progress, the BBC's radio team delivers unparalleled access. Download the BBC Sounds app or tune in locally to catch Durden, Humphreys, and the experts as they narrate this intriguing matchup. Don't forget post-match highlights on BBC TV to relive the drama. With odds listing Bristol at -140 and Port Vale at +380, expect a contest full of Championship quality against League One grit.[7]

Port Vale's recent draws and Bristol City's mixed results—including a 2-1 loss to Watford—set up a tactical chess match.[1][7] As the 19:45 whistle nears, settle in with BBC radio for the definitive audio companion to this FA Cup gem.

Article generated: 3 March 2026, 19:47 GMT