Wrexham AFC produced a stunning FA Cup giant-killing act, defeating Premier League side Nottingham Forest in a dramatic third-round tie that culminated in a penalty shootout. The 4-3 victory on spot-kicks followed a breathless 3-3 draw at the SToK Cae Ras, witnessed by the club's Hollywood co-owner Ryan Reynolds, who brought his mother for her inaugural visit.
A Night of High Drama and Family Celebration
Manager Phil Parkinson hailed the "special" triumph and expressed his delight that Reynolds was present with his family to experience the historic moment. "I had a chat with him before the game and it was great to see him over here with his family," Parkinson revealed. "I think Ryan's mum was here tonight, which was for the first time. So it's really special and I hope they've enjoyed the night." He added, with a smile, that he was sure the Reynolds family would be celebrating with "a few glasses of wine" on their flight home.
The victory was particularly sweet as it marked Wrexham's first encounter with top-flight opposition in the FA Cup for 26 years, adding a new chapter to their storied history in the competition which includes past wins against Arsenal and West Ham.
Rollercoaster Match Sees Wrexham Squander Lead
Entering the match on the back of four consecutive Championship wins, Wrexham started explosively. Liberato Cacace and Oliver Rathbone scored within three minutes of each other in the first half, sending the hosts into the break with a commanding 2-0 lead.
Nottingham Forest's Igor Jesus pulled a goal back after the interval, but Dominic Hyam swiftly restored Wrexham's two-goal cushion. The drama intensified late on when Forest substitute Callum Hudson-Odoi struck twice, including an 89th-minute equaliser, to force extra time at 3-3.
With no further goals in extra time, the tie went to penalties. Wrexham's hero emerged as goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, who produced two outstanding saves to deny Jesus and Omari Hutchinson, sealing a 4-3 shootout win for the Red Dragons.
Contrasting Reactions from the Dugouts
Parkinson praised his team's resilience after seeing their lead evaporate. "We had to rally the troops a bit in the break, because I think the whole ground had gone flat," he told TNT Sports. "But the lads rallied themselves... It's a huge night for us and I'm pleased for this group of players to write their own bit of history."
In stark contrast, Forest manager Sean Dyche delivered a scathing assessment of his team's initial performance. "The first half is completely unacceptable," Dyche stated. "I've let certain individuals know that and they've got to look in the mirror. It's unacceptable to me, but it's unacceptable to the badge as well." He credited his substitutes for improving the display in the second half, but lamented that the team's slow start had ultimately cost them.
The victory books Wrexham's place in the FA Cup fourth round, continuing a remarkable period for the club under its celebrity ownership and passionate management.
