01/09/26 05:02:00
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01/09 17:00 CST Wrexham knocks out Nottingham Forest on penalties to move into
FA Cup fourth round
Wrexham knocks out Nottingham Forest on penalties to move into FA Cup fourth
round
WREXHAM, Wales (AP) --- The big guns entered the FA Cup on Friday and one of
them was shot down immediately.
Championship club Wrexham knocked out Premier League side Nottingham Forest 4-3
on penalties after a thrilling match ended 3-3 after 90 minutes and extra time.
Wrexham keeper Arthur Okonkwo was the hero, saving twice to take his side into
the fourth round.
The Welsh side co-owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney was 2-0 up
at the break thanks to goals from Liberato Cacace and Ollie Rathbone.
Igor Jesus pulled one back with a header after 64 minutes only for Dominic Hyam
to restore Wrexham's two-goal lead with a diving header 10 minutes later.
Forest substitute Callum Hudson-Odoi scored in the 76th and 89th minutes to
force the game into extra time but when neither side could get a winner it went
to penalties.
James MacLean missed for Wrexham but Okonkwo saved from Igor Jesus and Omari
Hutchinson to send the home fans into raptures.
"The manager spoke to us before the game, told us about the history of the club
and how we're able to beat teams who are way above us," a jubilant Okonkwo
said. "It was amazing to win the game in the end. We just have to enjoy the
moment."
The FA Cup kicked off in August with 446 clubs dreaming of a place in the
famous final at Wembley Stadium but teams from the top two tiers enter only at
this third round.
Friday's win was another memorable chapter in the rise of the Welsh club that
was bought in 2021 by Hollywood pair Reynolds and McElhenney.
The stars have overseen Wrexham's rapid ascent and watched three consecutive
promotions. It sits ninth in the Championship and Friday's win was its fifth in
a row in all competitions.
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