Port Vale Defeats Birmingham in Carabao Cup
Port Vale ended Birmingham City's unbeaten start to the season, delivering a narrow defeat that eliminated them from the Carabao Cup in the second round.
Jaheim Headley scored the only goal of the match with a header from a Ryan Croasdale cross just before halftime, following a series of opportunities for the Valiants from set pieces.
Ronan Curtis had a significant chance to extend the lead to 2-0, but his shot narrowly missed the target, rolling past the post.
League One side Port Vale will now be included in the draw for the third round on Wednesday, marking only their third appearance in this stage since the 2009-10 season.
Birmingham City has accumulated seven points from their first three matches after returning to the Championship. They previously defeated Sheffield United in the EFL Cup first round, while Port Vale, managed by Darren Moore, is still seeking their first league victory of the season.
Birmingham's head coach Chris Davies made ten changes to the lineup that triumphed over Oxford United on Saturday. Two debutants created the best early opportunity, with Marvin Ducksch linking up with Lewis Koumas, whose shot from a tight angle went past the near post before another attempt went wide.
At the other end, Cameron Humphreys had a free-kick deflected over the bar as Port Vale began to push forward. They appeared most dangerous from set pieces, coming close from several corners.
Birmingham goalkeeper James Beadle made two crucial diving saves, denying headers from Humphreys and Mo Faal, while Croasdale also missed a chance that went wide. Finally, Headley found the net when the ball bounced out of the box and was crossed back in by Croasdale, allowing Headley to score with a diving header from close range.
Forward Jay Stansfield was introduced as one of three substitutions at halftime for Birmingham, but the team failed to register a shot on target throughout the match.
Port Vale's best chance again fell to Curtis, who found space but sent his effort off target, despite sending Beadle the wrong way.
Birmingham increased their pressure late in the game, but Port Vale successfully held on for an impressive victory.