Wrexham, a club from the second-tier Championship, defeated Premier League side Nottingham Forest 4-3 in a penalty shootout during the FA Cup third round. The match concluded with a 3-3 draw after both regular and extra time, leading to Wrexham's advancement to the fourth round of the competition. This marks Wrexham's first victory against a Premier League opponent in the FA Cup since 1999.
Match Overview
The fixture took place at Wrexham's Stok Cae Ras ground, also known as the Racecourse Ground, and was attended by 10,063 spectators, including Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds. Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche implemented eight changes to his starting lineup for the match.
Wrexham initially established a two-goal lead. Liberato Cacace scored his first goal for the club, followed by Oliver Rathbone, who received an assist from Nathan Broadhead. Nottingham Forest's Igor Jesus then reduced the deficit with a headed goal. Wrexham captain Dominic Hyam subsequently restored a two-goal advantage by heading in a free-kick from George Dobson.
Nottingham Forest equalized with two goals from Callum Hudson-Odoi, who entered the game as a substitute. His first goal came from an assist by Omari Hutchinson, and his second, which leveled the score, was a volley from Nicolo Savona's pass in the 89th minute, forcing the match into extra time. No further goals were scored during the additional periods. Earlier in the match, a goal by Douglas Luiz for Forest in the 17th minute was disallowed due to a handball.
Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo made several saves during the match, including attempts from Douglas Luiz and Dan Ndoye.
Penalty Shootout
The penalty shootout concluded with Wrexham winning 4-3. Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo saved two of Nottingham Forest's penalty attempts, from Igor Jesus and Omari Hutchinson, the latter being Forest's fifth penalty. Wrexham's James McClean's penalty attempt went over the crossbar during the shootout.
Context and Manager Statements
This victory continues Wrexham's progress under co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who acquired the club in 2020. Since their acquisition, the club has achieved three successive promotions, ascending from non-league football to the Championship, which is the second tier of English football. Wrexham is currently ninth in the Championship and has recorded five consecutive wins across all competitions. This was Wrexham's first competitive fixture against a top-tier side since the change in ownership.
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson credited both teams for their performance and acknowledged their effort following a busy schedule. Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche acknowledged Wrexham's performance and also criticized his starting players' first-half performance.