Hollywood-owned Wrexham produced a stunning FA Cup giant-killing on Friday night, knocking Premier League Nottingham Forest out of the competition in a dramatic penalty shootout following a breathless 3-3 draw.
A Night of High Drama at the Racecourse
The third-round tie at the Racecourse Ground was a classic cup encounter, played out in front of co-owner Ryan Reynolds. The actor saw his side, transformed by the 'Welcome to Wrexham' documentary, claim their first Premier League scalp of the new era. Forest manager Sean Dyche, who made eight changes from his last league game, saw an early goal from Douglas Luiz ruled out for handball, a decision made without the aid of VAR.
Wrexham capitalised on that let-off and raced into a commanding lead. First, Liberato Cacace fired home a superb 20-yard strike after George Dobson won possession. The celebrations had barely died down when Oliver Rathbone doubled the advantage, cutting inside and squeezing a shot through the hands of Forest goalkeeper Mats Sels.
Forest Fightback Forces Penalties
Dyche's triple substitution at half-time sparked a response. Igor Jesus powered in a header to reduce the deficit, but Wrexham captain Dominic Hyam soon restored the two-goal cushion with a header from a set-piece. The Championship side looked set for a famous win until Forest's substitutes ignited a late comeback. Callum Hudson-Odoi, fresh off the bench, scored with a smart first-time finish and then, in the 91st minute, fired in a spectacular half-volley to send the tie to extra-time.
With no further goals in the additional 30 minutes, the epic contest was decided from the spot. After James McClean blazed Wrexham's first penalty over, the spotlight fell on goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo. The Arsenal loanee emerged as the hero, saving from Igor Jesus and then Omari Hutchinson to send the home supporters into raptures and secure a famous victory.
A New Chapter in Wrexham's Story
This remarkable victory marks another iconic moment for Wrexham under the stewardship of Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Beating a top-flight opponent in such dramatic fashion will be etched into the club's long and storied history. For Nottingham Forest, it is a disappointing early exit from a competition they would have targeted for progress. The focus for Wrexham now turns to the fourth-round draw, where another glamour tie surely awaits.
