Nottingham Forest Survive FA Cup Scare Against Exeter
Nottingham Forest, one of the Premier League’s top teams, faced a daunting challenge in their FA Cup fourth-round tie against League One side Exeter City. Despite being the highest-ranked team remaining in the competition, Forest found themselves in a precarious position, ultimately relying on a penalty shootout to secure a 4-2 victory after the match ended 2-2. The game, played at Exeter’s St James Park, was a thrilling encounter that showcased the resilience of both teams and the magic of the FA Cup.
A Giant-Killing Threat Looms Large
Exeter, who are 59 places below Forest in the football pyramid, entered the match with hope. Their Devon neighbors, Plymouth Argyle, had earlier stunned Premier League leaders Liverpool, and Exeter fans dared to dream of a similar giant-killing act. A banner reading "Together We Can Create History" waved proudly in the Big Bank, the largest standing terrace in English football, as the Grecians faithful roared on their team. Their hopes were further boosted when Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo fielded a heavily rotated squad, resting most of his regular starters following a warm-weather training camp in Dubai. Only midfielder Danilo survived from the team that had demolished Brighton 7-0 in their previous outing.
First-Half Drama as Exeter Take the Lead
The match began with a dream start for Exeter. In the fifth minute, Josh Magennis, the competition’s top scorer, pounced on a loose ball after a Demetri Mitchell shot was spilled by Forest goalkeeper Carlos Miguel. Although Magennis appeared to be offside, the absence of VAR meant the goal stood. Forest responded well, dominating possession and creating chances. Paraguayan midfielder Ramon Sosa equalized midway through the half with a composed finish, and Taiwo Awoniyi put Forest ahead just before halftime with a clinical strike. The Nigerian forward, who would later leave the pitch on a stretcher due to injury, turned superbly on the edge of the box and fired a low shot into the bottom corner.
Magennis Strikes Again to Force Extra Time
Exeter refused to back down, and Magennis ensured the Grecians went into the second half with renewed hope. Just five minutes after the restart, he rose highest at a corner, forcing Miguel into a point-blank save before reacting quickest to convert the rebound. However, Forest’s dominance continued, and they were unlucky not to regain the lead. Miguel, who was later replaced by Matz Sels due to injury, made a stunning save to deny Ilmari Niskanen in a one-on-one situation. The match took a dramatic turn when Exeter debutant Ed Turns was sent off for a high challenge on Morgan Gibbs-White with just three minutes of normal time remaining. Despite their numerical disadvantage, Exeter held firm, and the tie headed into extra time.
Extra Time and a Nail-Biting Penalty Shootout
Extra time was a one-sided affair, with Forest pushing relentlessly for a winner. Chris Wood, a second-half substitute, saw two efforts saved by Exeter goalkeeper Joe Whitworth, who proved to be a thorn in Forest’s side throughout the match. The game ultimately had to be decided by a penalty shootout. Forest’s substitutes proved decisive, as Wood, Gibbs-White, Elliot Anderson, and Neco Williams all scored from the spot. Sels, who had replaced the injured Miguel, made a crucial save to deny Reece Cole, and Angus MacDonald struck the crossbar with his attempt. Williams, another substitute, sealed the victory with the final penalty at 11:03 PM, earning Forest a hard-fought 4-2 win in the shootout.
Relief for Forest, Pride for Exeter
The result was met with relief from Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo, who acknowledged that his team had not been at their best. "I’m relieved, I think we all are," he said. "We started badly but reacted well. In the first half, we were dominant, created chances, and changed the score. The second half, the idea was to close the game down, but we conceded from a set-piece, and everything changed. Exeter had one man less, so a lot of credit to them, but we rushed decisions, and we’re happy to go through." Exeter manager Gary Caldwell was equally proud of his team, saying, "I’m really proud of the team and the whole football club. We just came up short on penalties, which is a lottery. I thought we were outstanding. With 10 men, it was backs against the wall, but we could have won or lost it near the end. It’s a fantastic effort from the players."
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Nottingham Forest will now host Ipswich Town in the fifth round of the FA Cup, hoping to build on their narrow victory. For Exeter, the focus returns to League One, where they will aim to rediscover their form after a recent slump. Their performance against Forest has set a new standard for the team, and Caldwell will hope his players can draw confidence from their heroic display. The match will be remembered as a testament to the FA Cup’s ability to deliver drama, excitement, and a touch of magic, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
