Wrexham continued their fairy-tale season under their Hollywood-backed ownership with a sensational FA Cup third-round victory over Nottingham Forest at the Stok Cae Ras. The League One side triumphed on penalties after a dramatic 3-3 draw, marking their first victory over top-flight opposition since 1999.

Early Goals Put Wrexham in Control

The tie burst into life late in the opening half as Liberato Cacace and Ollie Rathbone struck in quick succession. Cacace, starting for the first time in over two months, rifled a 20-yard strike beyond Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels in the 37th minute to give Wrexham the lead. Just three minutes later, Rathbone capitalized on a fortunate ricochet off Morata to slot home his fourth goal in eight outings, putting the hosts 2-0 up at halftime.

Forest responded in the second half, with Igor Jesus scoring in the 64th minute to reduce the deficit. Dom Hyam restored Wrexham’s two-goal advantage with a header, but Chelsea loanee Callum Hudson-Odoi struck twice, including an 89th-minute equalizer, forcing the match into extra time and penalties.

Penalty Shootout Heroics

Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo became the hero in the shootout, saving from Jesus and Omari Hutchinson. Josh Windass, Callum Doyle, George Thomason, and Jay Rodriguez converted their penalties to secure a 4-3 shootout victory, sending the home fans into raptures and booking Wrexham a place in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Manager Phil Parkinson, watched on by co-owner Ryan Reynolds, praised his side’s resilience:

“I’m proud of the lads. We showed great character against top opposition. Winning on penalties after such a dramatic game makes it even more special for our supporters. We want to keep making history this season.”

Match Overview and Key Moments

The game started cautiously, with Forest having a goal chalked off for handball from Douglas Luiz in the 18th minute. Wrexham carried the greater threat on the counter-attack, with Rathbone and Sam Smith both coming close before the opening goals.

Forest dominated parts of the second half after substitutions, but Wrexham remained dangerous on the break. Hyam’s header and Hudson-Odoi’s late equalizer set the stage for a thrilling shootout.

Player Ratings and Standout Performances

• Arthur Okonkwo (1, Wrexham) – Player of the Match, 8.84: Made crucial saves in open play and during the shootout.
• Sam Smith (28, Wrexham) – 8.66: Threatened Forest’s defense throughout, especially in first-half chances.
• George Dobson (15, Wrexham) – 8.47: Instrumental in building Wrexham’s attacks, winning possession and setting up goals.
• Ollie Rathbone (20, Wrexham) – 8.27: Scored Wrexham’s second goal, consistently dangerous.
• Dom Hyam (5, Wrexham) – 8.07: Scored a key header to restore Wrexham’s lead.

Forest players Hudson-Odoi and Jesus impressed, but could not overcome Wrexham’s organized defense and Okonkwo’s heroics in goal.

Implications for Wrexham

The win sees Wrexham advance to the FA Cup fourth round, maintaining momentum in what has already been a remarkable season in the Championship. Sitting just a point outside the playoff spots, the victory also signals their growing confidence against higher-tier teams.

Manager Parkinson highlighted the importance of belief and fan support:

“This club has always had ambition, and moments like this show why our fans are so special. Beating Premier League opposition underlines the progress we’re making and the character of this squad.”

For Nottingham Forest, the defeat marks a disappointing exit in the early stages of the FA Cup, despite several squad rotations and a strong league position.