Sometimes, stories simply write themselves.In the build-up to Manchester City's FA Cup third round tie against Port Vale, Tom Pope - the League Two side's striker - was the talk of the town.Why you ask? Because he previously mugged off City defender John Stones on Twitter.And guess what? Pope found the back of the net at the Etihad to make it 1-1 on the night, with Stones starting the game!You can watch Pope's goal below.

POPE'S GOAL

In case you missed Pope's tweet, here's what it said: "Just watched the highlights of the England game! I know I’m a league 2 player, I know he plays for England, I know he’s on £150k a week, I know he’s a million times better player than me but I’d love to play against John Stones every week! I’d get 40 a season! #soft #weakaspiss."

Maybe he has a point...

Stones' career has been curtailed by injury since the 2018 World Cup and it's surprising that City haven't looked to replace him in recent windows - or at least sign adequate cover.

Pope's goal at the Etihad was sadly in vain as City went on to claim a 4-1 victory.

Oleksandr Zinchenko opened the scoring on the night, with Sergio Aguero restoring City's advantage just before half-time following Pope's equaliser.

Stones himself then got a bit of revenge by helping to make it 3-1 just before the hour mark, with his shot cannoning off Taylor Harwood-Bellis into the back of Vale's net.

The goal was eventually awarded to the latter.

Phil Foden then added a fourth late in the day to seal a comprehensive victory for the FA Cup holders.