Mark Branch’s 35-yard free-kick gave the British Gas Midland Division side the chance of facing Championship side Cardiff City at Church Street after a superb display from Blakemore's men.

And the Scholars boss was full of praise for his team, which included a fork-lift truck driver, a graphic designer and a carpet fitter.

"It was absolutely magical out there today," said a beaming Blakemore.

"To come to a team that are five levels above us and get a draw is a real fairytale. The FA Cup allows us that opportunity and it's one of the best days of my life.

"We had a game plan. We wanted to pass the ball and we knew we would have to close them down. But we kept going, worked hard and although we were under the cosh in the last ten minutes, it was a fantastic performance.

"I think we fully deserved it and the whole club should be very proud."
Goalscoring hero Branch, who cancelled out Luke Rodgers’ early strike, paid tribute to his manager after sending 2,500 Chasetown supporters into raptures at Vale Park.

"He's unbelievable," said Branch.

"He fires us up before the match with team talks and during the game and he does it again.

"We had a good cup run a few years ago and I think our fans were the only people that thought we would get something today.

"I'm definitely claiming the goal, it's something we've worked on in training and it was nice to get the ball into the top corner.

"We would have loved a bigger team than Cardiff City, but it's all about being in the hat for the Third Round and there's still a long way ago.

"Port Vale knows about us now so we've lost our surprise factor but we'll give it a good go in the replay."

Chasetown: Evans, J Branch, M Branch, Slater, Thomas, Williams, Steane, Hawkins (S Smith, 87 mins), Perry, Perrow (D Smith, 63 mins), Holland

Other Subs: Sargeant, Edwards, Spacey (not used)