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Birmingham vs Port Vale – Complete Match Guide and Result Recap

Harry Clarke Howard • 2026-05-06 • Reviewed by Hanna Berg




Birmingham City and Port Vale crossed paths twice in mid-2025: once in a pre-season friendly and once under the floodlights of the Carabao Cup second round. The competitive match delivered a surprise result that shifted the narrative around both clubs’ early-season ambitions. This article compiles all verified facts—from lineups and broadcast details to historical head‑to‑head data—so fans have a single, reliable reference.

The Carabao Cup tie, played on 26 August 2025 at St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park, ended with Port Vale securing a 1‑0 victory thanks to a first‑half strike from Jaheim Headley. Just six weeks earlier, Birmingham had won the pre‑season friendly 2‑0. The contrasting outcomes illustrate the unpredictability of cup football and the different contexts of each fixture.

When and Where is Birmingham vs Port Vale?

Date26 August 2025 (Carabao Cup Second Round); 16 July 2025 (Pre‑season Friendly)
VenueSt. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park, Birmingham
CompetitionCarabao Cup Second Round / Pre‑season Friendly
Latest ResultBirmingham City 0‑1 Port Vale (Carabao Cup); Birmingham City 2‑0 Port Vale (Friendly)

  • The Carabao Cup match ended in a 1‑0 win for Port Vale, with J. Headley scoring in the 45th minute.
  • In the pre‑season friendly earlier in July 2025, Birmingham City won 2‑0 with goals from Keshi Anderson and Willum Willumsson.
  • The head‑to‑head record shows Birmingham City historically dominant, but Port Vale secured a notable cup upset.
  • Broadcast coverage for the Carabao Cup match was on Sky Sports (Sky Sports+).
  • Ticket sales for future matches are managed via the official club websites.

Fact Detail
Match Birmingham City vs Port Vale (Carabao Cup Second Round)
Date 26 August 2025
Kick‑off 18:45 BST
Venue St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park, Birmingham
Attendance Not disclosed
Referee Ben Speedie (Carabao Cup)
Goalscorers J. Headley (45′) for Port Vale
Previous meeting (Pre‑season) Birmingham City 2‑0 Port Vale (16 July 2025)

How to Watch Birmingham vs Port Vale: TV and Live Stream

Fans looking to follow Birmingham vs Port Vale need to know which broadcasters hold the rights. For the Carabao Cup second‑round tie, UK viewers could watch live on Sky Sports (Sky Sports+). Global audiences accessed the match via ESPN+, as confirmed by the official competition distribution.

What channel is Birmingham vs Port Vale on?

In the UK, Sky Sports was the sole live broadcaster. Replays and highlights were later available on the same platform and through the clubs’ official YouTube channels. For the pre‑season friendly, no television coverage was reported; updates came from club media outlets.

Is there a live stream for Birmingham vs Port Vale?

Sky Sports subscribers could stream the match via the Sky Go app. International viewers using ESPN+ needed a valid subscription. No free‑to‑air option was confirmed for either fixture.

Streaming tip

For future cup ties, check Sky Sports’ schedule and the official Birmingham City website or Port Vale website for the latest broadcast announcements.

Birmingham vs Port Vale Head‑to‑Head Record and Recent Form

What is the historical head‑to‑head record?

According to data from 11v11.com, the two clubs have met 12 times in competitive fixtures. Birmingham City have won eight, drawn one, and lost three. The aggregate goal difference stands at 20‑13 in favour of Birmingham.

How have both teams performed recently?

In the six matches leading up to the Carabao Cup tie, Birmingham recorded four wins (67%) and Port Vale two wins (33%). Average goals per game in those fixtures hovered around three. At St. Andrew’s, Birmingham’s home record against Port Vale shows three wins, one draw, and one loss from the last five encounters, with a goal difference of 10‑6.

Form snapshot

Birmingham averaged 1.97 goals per home match before the cup tie; Port Vale averaged 1.36 goals per away match. Source: aggregated stats from SoccerPunter.

Birmingham vs Port Vale Match Recap: Goals and Highlights

Who scored in the latest Birmingham vs Port Vale match?

Jaheim Headley scored the only goal of the Carabao Cup second‑round match in the 45th minute, just before halftime. The strike gave Port Vale a lead they held through the second half despite sustained Birmingham pressure. The final score: Birmingham City 0‑1 Port Vale.

Where can I watch highlights?

Highlights are available on Sky Sports’ match page and through official club channels. A search for “Birmingham vs Port Vale Carabao Cup 2025 highlights” yields clips showing Headley’s goal and key defensive moments from Port Vale.

Note on the pre‑season friendly

The pre‑season friendly on 16 July 2025 ended Birmingham City 2‑0 Port Vale, with goals by Keshi Anderson and Willum Willumsson. That result should not be conflated with the competitive cup fixture.

What Are the Recent Matches Between Birmingham and Port Vale?

  1. 16 July 2025 – Pre‑season friendly: Birmingham City 2‑0 Port Vale (Anderson, Willumsson)
  2. 26 August 2025 – Carabao Cup Second Round: Birmingham City 0‑1 Port Vale (Headley)

Only two fixtures were recorded in the 2025 calendar year. The pre‑season match served as preparation, while the Carabao Cup tie carried competitive stakes. Further meetings may occur depending on future cup draws or league schedules. For a comprehensive look at all verified facts, from lineups to historical head-to-head data, check out FC Luzern gegen FC Basel Live Ticker.

What Information Is Certain and What Remains Unclear?

Established information Information that remains unclear
The Carabao Cup match result is 1‑0 to Port Vale. Exact broadcast information for future matches (if any) is not yet announced.
The pre‑season friendly result is 2‑0 to Birmingham City. Referee and lineup details for a potential upcoming rematch are not available.
The match venue is St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park. Ticket availability and prices for future matches are subject to change.

What Does the Carabao Cup Result Mean for Both Clubs?

Birmingham City entered the 2025‑26 season in the Championship, while Port Vale compete in League One. The cup upset highlights the gap between possession dominance and finishing efficiency: Birmingham had 70% possession but generated only 0.34 xG, compared to Port Vale’s 1.65 xG from 30% possession. Port Vale’s counter‑attacking approach proved effective, and they advanced to the third round. For Birmingham, the early cup exit refocuses attention on their league campaign.

The pre‑season friendly result—a comfortable 2‑0 win for Birmingham—showed the Blues’ potential, but the competitive tie exposed vulnerabilities in converting chances. Port Vale, meanwhile, demonstrated that disciplined defending and clinical finishing can overcome a higher‑tier opponent.

Where Can I Find Official Information About the Match?

The following official sources provide match data and club statements. These were used to verify the facts in this article.

Additional real‑time data was cross‑referenced with ESPN, Sportytrader, FotMob, AiScore, and Flashscore.

What’s Next for Birmingham City and Port Vale?

After the Carabao Cup exit, Birmingham City will focus on their Championship campaign, while Port Vale advance to the third round. Future meetings between the two clubs may occur in league play or future cups, depending on promotions and relegations. Fans should monitor the official club channels for fixture announcements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Birmingham vs Port Vale on TV?

The Carabao Cup second round match was broadcast on Sky Sports (Sky Sports+). Check Sky’s schedule for replays.

Can I buy tickets for Birmingham vs Port Vale?

Tickets for past matches are no longer available. For future matches, visit the official websites of Birmingham City or Port Vale.

Who scored for Port Vale against Birmingham?

J. Headley scored the only goal in the 45th minute of the Carabao Cup match.

What is the head-to-head record between Birmingham and Port Vale?

Historically, Birmingham City have the upper hand, but Port Vale won the latest competitive meeting. Check 11v11.com for full record.

Where can I find highlights of Birmingham vs Port Vale?

Highlights may be available on the clubs’ official YouTube channels or Sky Sports.

Was the Carabao Cup match a friendly?

No, it was an official competitive fixture in the 2025‑26 Carabao Cup second round.

Who was the referee for the Carabao Cup match?

The referee was Ben Speedie.

What was the attendance at St. Andrew’s?

The attendance was not disclosed in available match reports.

How did Birmingham line up against Port Vale?

Birmingham started with Beadle in goal; Cashin, Neumann, Sampsted; Gardner‑Hickman, Doyle, Leonard, Koumas; Fujimoto, Ducksch, Dykes. Multiple subs were made after halftime.

What was the pre‑season result between the teams?

Birmingham City won 2‑0 on 16 July 2025, with goals from Anderson and Willumsson.



Harry Clarke Howard

About the author

Harry Clarke Howard

Our desk combines breaking updates with clear and practical explainers.