Wrexham produced a memorable FA Cup upset, defeating Premier League side Nottingham Forest 4-2 on penalties after a dramatic 3-3 draw at the Racecourse Ground. Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo was the hero, saving spot-kicks from Igor Jesus and Omari Hutchinson to secure the victory, despite James McClean's miss from the spot.
The match looked won for the League One side when Dom Hyam headed home a free-kick to make it 3-1 with 20 minutes remaining. However, substitute Callum Hudson-Odoi scored twice in the latter stages, including an 89th-minute equaliser, to force extra time. The National League side had earlier taken a two-goal lead through Liberato Cacace and Ollie Rathbone, capitalising on defensive errors from the visitors.
Forest manager Sean Dyche made eight changes and was critical of his side's first-half performance, calling it 'completely unacceptable'. Despite a second-half fightback led by Morgan Gibbs-White, his team could not avoid the shootout. Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson praised his team's character, saying: 'This is a great night. We highlighted some of the great moments in this club's history in the FA Cup and could we make our own bit of history tonight. We've certainly done that.'
The victory continues Wrexham's fine run of form, with five consecutive wins in all competitions. Forest can now focus on their Premier League survival battle and Europa League campaign, though Dyche will be concerned by the lack of depth shown by his fringe players.
