Key Takeaways:
- Wrexham defeated Premier League side Nottingham Forest on penalties after a dramatic 3-3 draw at the Racecourse Ground.
- Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo secured the victory with two crucial saves in the shootout to send Wrexham into the fourth round.
- The victory represents Wrexham’s first win against a top-flight opponent in 26 years, continuing their rapid ascent under Hollywood ownership.
Wrexham AFC continued their meteoric rise on Friday night by knocking Premier League side Nottingham Forest out of the FA Cup. The Championship club secured a historic victory at the Racecourse Ground following a breathless six-goal thriller. This win marks another incredible chapter for the Hollywood-owned Welsh team.
The match exploded into life during the first half as the hosts took a commanding lead. Liberato Cacace opened the scoring in the 37th minute with a clinical finish. Just three minutes later, Oliver Rathbone doubled the advantage to send the home fans into a frenzy. Wrexham appeared completely in control.
Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche responded by making significant tactical changes during the halftime break. The top-flight visitors slowly clawed their way back into the contest. Igor Jesus found the net with a powerful header in the 64th minute to reduce the deficit. The momentum began to shift toward the visitors.
However, Wrexham captain Dominic Hyam seemingly settled the tie with a diving header in the 74th minute. His goal restored the two-goal cushion and ignited celebrations in the stands. Many believed the upset was finally secure. Yet, the drama was only just beginning for the capacity crowd.
Forest substitute Callum Hudson-Odoi produced a sensational late performance to rescue his side. He scored in the 76th minute before delivering a stunning 89th-minute equalizer to force extra time. Both teams fought through fatigue as the temperature dropped below freezing. Neither side could find a winning goal during the additional period.
The high-stakes encounter eventually moved to a penalty shootout to determine the winner. Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo emerged as the ultimate hero of the night. He made two spectacular saves to deny Igor Jesus and Omari Hutchinson from the spot. His brilliance secured a 4-3 shootout win for the hosts.
Co-owner Ryan Reynolds watched from the stands as his team celebrated their first win over top-flight opposition in 26 years. The victory extends Wrexham’s current winning streak to five matches across all competitions. They now move forward to the fourth-round draw with massive momentum.
This result highlights the growing gap between the Championship and the lower half of the Premier League. Wrexham showed tactical discipline and incredible physical resilience throughout the 120 minutes. Their journey from non-league football to giant-killers remains one of the most compelling stories in sports.
Manager Phil Parkinson praised his players for their mental toughness after losing a late lead. He noted that the squad never stopped believing in their ability to progress. The club now prepares for a busy winter schedule while awaiting their next cup opponent. The Hollywood dream shows no signs of slowing down.
