Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest dwell: Okonkwo saves two in shootout to ship hosts into fourth spherical
Wrexham held their nerve through a penalty shootout to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup after an incredible tie against Nottingham Forest.
The hosts took control of the match with two goals in the first half, the first from Liverato Cacace and the second from Ollie Rathbone, as they attempted to inflict defeat on their Premier League opponents.
Sean Dyche made changes at the break and instilled a new belief in Forest who pulled a goal back through Igor Jesus only for Dominic Hyam to restore Wrexham’s two-goal cushion.
Callum Hudson-Odoi came off the bench and scored a brace, including a dramatic late equaliser, to force the match into extra-time and penalties.
The final word went to Arthur Okonkwo though as the Wrexham goalkeeper saved two penalties including the decisive one to ensure the Red Dragons advance to the next round.
Relive the action from the Racecourse Ground with our live blog below:
History for Port Vale
Elsewhwere, Port Vale have reached the FA Cup fourth round for just the third time this century, previously doing so in 2005-06 and 2013-14.
Wrexham reach fourth round after penalty shootout
Wrexham held their nerve through a penalty shootout to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup after an incredible tie against Nottingham Forest.
The hosts took control of the match with two goals in the first half, the first from Liverato Cacace and the second from Ollie Rathbone, as they attempted to inflict defeat on their Premier League opponents.
Sean Dyche made changes at the break and instilled a new belief in Forest who pulled a goal back through Igor Jesus only for Dominic Hyam to restore Wrexham’s two-goal cushion.
Callum Hudson-Odoi came off the bench and scored a brace, including a dramatic late equaliser, to force the match into extra-time and penalties.
The final word went to Arthur Okonkwo though as the Wrexham goalkeeper saved two penalties including the decisive one to ensure the Red Dragons advance to the next round.
Penalties: Wrexham 4-3 Forest
Omari Hutchinson is up.
He’s only 21-year-old and drills the penalty to Okonkwo’s left.
The goalkeeper chooses the correct way and keeps it out!
Wrexham are through to the fourth round. They’ve beaten Nottingham Forest on penalties!
Penalties: Wrexham 4-3 Forest
Calm as you like from Jay Rodriguez who slots it into the bottom right corner.
Forest have to score…
Penalties: Wrexham 3-3 Forest
Here comes Neco Williams for Forest.
He slots the shot underneath Okonkwo and Forest level.
The pressure is on.
Penalties: Wrexham 3-2 Forest
George Thomason came off the bench for Wrexham and he does his job!
Sels gets his hand to the shot but there’s too much power and Wrexham go ahead again.
Penalties: Wrexham 2-2 Forest
Callum Hudson-Odoi is up next. He was the hero in the second half and lofts his penalty into the top right corner.
Penalties: Wrexham 2-1 Forest
Callum Doyle slots in his penalty and sends the fans cheering again.
Penalties: Wrexham 1-1 Forest
Advantage Forest.
Igor Jesus can complete the advantage. He takes a big run up and goes to the left but Akonkwo leaps the correct way.
It’s a pacey shot but the goalkeeper keeps it out!
Incredible from the Wrexham goalie.
