Hollywood-owned Wrexham knock Premier League Nottingham Forest out of the FA Cup with a 4-3 penalty shootout win after a thrilling 3-3 draw.
WREXHAM: Wrexham’s Hollywood fairytale continued with a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Premier League Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup third round.
First-half goals from Liberato Cacace and Oliver Rathbone put the Championship side in a commanding position.
Forest’s Igor Jesus pulled a goal back before Dominic Hyam’s diving header restored Wrexham’s two-goal lead with 16 minutes remaining.
Substitute Callum Hudson-Odoi then scored two excellent goals, including an 89th-minute equaliser to force extra time.
Goalkeeper Arthur Okonko was the shootout hero, saving from Igor Jesus and Omari to send Wrexham through.
Forest manager Sean Dyche was furious with his team’s first-half display. “The first half was completely unacceptable,” he said.
“I let the players know, and certainly some individuals will know, and they’ve got to look in the mirror at that side of things.”
Wrexham have enjoyed three successive promotions since being bought by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in 2021.
In other third-round ties, League One Wigan won 1-0 at Preston, while Port Vale beat Fleetwood by the same scoreline.
Oxford United needed penalties to see off Milton Keynes Dons after a 1-1 draw.
The FA Cup third round sees the entry of clubs from the Premier League and Championship.
Holders Crystal Palace travel to non-league Macclesfield, while Tottenham host Aston Villa in an all-Premier League clash on Saturday.
Manchester United face Brighton on Sunday in a repeat of the 1983 final.
Premier League leaders Arsenal are away to Championship side Portsmouth. – AFP
