Wrexham pulled off a remarkable FA Cup surprise, eliminating Premier League Nottingham Forest after a thrilling 3–3 draw and a 4–3 penalty shootout victory. Fourth round was secured for Wrexham as co-owner Ryan Reynolds watched on.
Forest got put under immediate pressure, Phil Parkinson’s men began with real drive and intensity. The visitors briefly thought they had taken the lead, but their early strike was ruled out for handball.
Wrexham then seized control. In the 37th minute, Liberato Cacace calmly slotted past Matz Sels to open the scoring.
Just three minutes later, Oliver Rathbone doubled the advantage, capitalising on Forest’s poor defending by shrugging off Morato and guiding the ball into the bottom corner.
The Welsh side went into the interval with a fully deserved two‑goal cushion, their energy and aggression clearly unsettling the Premier League team.
Recognising his side were struggling, Sean Dyche made a bold triple substitution at half‑time. The changes injected urgency and improved Forest’s rhythm.
Igor Jesus pulled one back in the 64th minute with a composed finish, giving Nottingham Forest a lifeline in this game.
But Wrexham refused to crumble. Ten minutes later, captain Dominic Hyam met a cross with a powerful stooping header, restoring the two‑goal lead and reigniting belief.
However, Forest showed their resilience. Callum Hudson‑Odoi struck twice late on in the 76th and 89th minute bringing the game to 3-3.
Making the game go to extra time and silencing the home supporters.
Extra time was tense and cagey, with both teams visibly tiring. With no winner found, the tie went to penalties.
Both sides started confidently before each missed once, raising the tension. After a run of successful spot‑kicks, Omari Hutchinson stepped up needing to score to keep Forest alive.
Okonkwo saved brilliantly, sealing a 4–3 shootout win and confirming himself as the night’s standout performer.
The result saw Wrexham knock out Nottingham Forest and their last victory over them was back in 1982.
