What a ride! Wrexham pulled off a fairytale upset on Friday, knocking Premier League side Nottingham Forest out of the FA Cup with a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout win after a 2-2 draw 🏰⚽️
Under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the Welsh club raced into a 2-0 lead through Liberato Cacace and Oliver Rathbone in the first half. Forest’s Igor Jesus pulled one back before Dominic Hyam’s diving header restored the two-goal cushion with 16 minutes to go.
Just when it looked over, Forest super-sub Callum Hudson-Odoi smashed in two brilliant goals, including an 89th-minute equaliser, to force extra time. With replays off the menu in the FA Cup, neither side could break the deadlock.
In the shootout, Wrexham keeper Arthur Okonko was the hero, saving attempts from Igor Jesus and Omari. Josh Windass, Callum Doyle, George Thomason and Jay Rodriguez held their nerve to seal the 4-3 win on spot kicks. What a moment for the underdogs! 🎬🥳
Since Reynolds and McElhenney took charge in 2021, Wrexham have climbed three divisions and now boast four straight Championship wins. Manager Sean Dyche admitted, “The first half was completely unacceptable,” but praised his side’s Premier League-level fightback after the break.
Wrexham’s FA Cup fairytale continues—keep your popcorn ready for the next chapter! 🍿
Reference(s):
Wrexham ride 'rollercoaster' to knock Nottingham Forest out of FA Cup
cgtn.com
