Wrexham’s fairytale journey under the stewardship of Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney reached new heights as they ousted Premier League team Nottingham Forest from the FA Cup with a thrilling 4-3 penalty shootout victory on Friday. The dramatic encounter unfolded at the Racecourse Ground in north Wales, marking a historic moment for the second-tier side.
The Welsh club, which competes in English competitions, was leading 3-1 with just 14 minutes remaining in the third-round tie. However, Nottingham Forest’s Callum Hudson-Odoi staged a remarkable comeback with a double, including a last-minute equalizer that brought the match to 3-3.
Penalty Drama and Heroic Saves
With the abolition of replays in the FA Cup, the match proceeded to extra-time, where neither team could break the deadlock. The spotlight then turned to Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, who delivered a performance worthy of a blockbuster film. His decisive save against Omari Hutchinson’s low penalty sealed the victory for Wrexham.
“It was a rollercoaster game,” Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson told TNT Sports. “The late goal knocked the stuffing out of us a bit… We had to rally the troops a bit. The whole ground had gone flat.”
Parkinson added, “I didn’t watch it. I was staring at the crowd and waiting for their reaction… Arthur has produced the save and will be the hero and rightly so.”
Early Goals and Tactical Shifts
The match saw Wrexham take a commanding lead with two goals in quick succession late in the first half, courtesy of Liberato Cacace and Oliver Rathbone. Forest responded in the 64th minute when Igor Jesus headed in a goal, narrowing the gap.
Wrexham’s captain, Dominic Hyam, restored their two-goal advantage with a header in the 74th minute. However, Forest’s resilience was on display as Hudson-Odoi scored again just two minutes later, setting the stage for his dramatic equalizer.
A Hollywood Story Continues
Since Reynolds and McElhenney acquired Wrexham in 2021, the club has enjoyed a meteoric rise, achieving three successive promotions. This match against a top-tier side was their first since the takeover, and it underscored the transformative impact of their ownership.
Wrexham entered the game on a streak of four consecutive Championship wins, while Nottingham Forest fielded a much-changed lineup, prioritizing their Premier League survival under manager Sean Dyche.
FA Cup Highlights and Future Prospects
Elsewhere in the FA Cup, League One Wigan, who famously won the competition in 2013, secured a 1-0 victory over Championship play-off contenders Preston. Meanwhile, Port Vale, languishing at the bottom of the third tier, triumphed 1-0 against fourth-division Fleetwood.
Oxford United, battling against relegation from the Championship, needed penalties to overcome Milton Keynes Dons after a 1-1 draw. The FA Cup’s third round is a pivotal stage where Premier League and Championship teams enter the fray.
Looking ahead, FA Cup holders Crystal Palace will face non-league Macclesfield, while eight-time winners Tottenham Hotspur take on Premier League rivals Aston Villa. An all top-flight clash awaits on Sunday as Manchester United meet Brighton at Old Trafford, a repeat of the 1983 final that United won after a replay.
Premier League leaders Arsenal will visit Championship strugglers Portsmouth, adding further intrigue to this storied competition.
The FA Cup continues to captivate football fans worldwide, and Wrexham’s latest triumph is a testament to the magic and unpredictability that defines this historic tournament. As the competition progresses, all eyes will be on whether Wrexham can continue their remarkable journey and script another chapter in their Hollywood story.
