Wrexham Triumphs in FA Cup Thriller Against Nottingham Forest

Igor Jesus created the first opportunity of the FA Cup tie, though his second-minute attempt went wide as Nottingham Forest aimed for an early advantage. The Tricky Trees believed they had taken the lead in the 15th minute; however, Douglas Luiz’s close-range effort was disallowed due to a handball.

Sam Smith generated Wrexham’s first significant chance shortly afterward, having been set up by Nathan Broadhead, but the 27-year-old’s attempt veered wide of the far post. The Dragons managed to break the deadlock just before halftime when Liberato Cacace struck into the bottom corner from 20 yards, with the shot slightly deflected off Morato.

Wrexham extended their lead three minutes after Cacace’s goal, as Oliver Rathbone found the net with a close-range finish past Mats Selz. Wrexham nearly headed into the break with a three-goal advantage, but Sels denied Smith in a one-on-one situation.

A lackluster first half prompted Sean Dyche to make a triple substitution at halftime, introducing Morgan Gibbs-White, Nicolas Dominguez, and Neco Williams.

Luiz forced Arthur Okonkwo into action around the hour mark, with the Wrexham goalkeeper deflecting the Brazilian’s free-kick over the bar for a Forest corner. However, Nottingham Forest’s persistence paid off as Jesus’ header struck the post and crossed the line midway through the second half, narrowing Wrexham’s lead.

Forest continued to press for an equalizer but conceded again with 15 minutes remaining, as Dominic Hyam headed George Dobson’s free-kick past Sels, restoring Wrexham’s two-goal lead. Yet, Dyche’s side quickly reduced the deficit when Callum Hudson-Odoi scored shortly thereafter.

Hudson-Odoi, who had come on as a substitute, struck again late in the match, completing the comeback for Forest and sending the game into extra time.

Both teams had chances to secure a victory in the additional period, with players like Josh Windass, Igor Thiago, and Omari Hutchinson creating opportunities. However, the match ultimately went to penalties.

In the shootout, Okonkwo emerged as Wrexham’s hero, denying Hutchinson and securing a 4-3 victory for the Dragons, allowing them to progress to the fourth round.

Sean Dyche opted to rest several key players for the FA Cup tie, making eight changes, including starting Callum Hudson-Odoi on the bench. After his introduction in the 69th minute, Hudson-Odoi turned the match around, scoring shortly after replacing Dan Ndoye and then netting a crucial equalizer.

James McAtee, who has struggled for playing time under Dyche, was substituted at halftime after a lackluster performance. It remains uncertain how much more fans will see of McAtee in the coming weeks.