Wrexham’s remarkable rise continues to feel like a story scripted by fate itself — and after a dramatic FA Cup victory over Nottingham Forest, even opposition manager Sean Dyche admitted that something extraordinary is unfolding in north Wales.

“The stories have been written in the stars, it seems. Literally,” Dyche said after watching his Premier League side crash out of the FA Cup following a breathtaking night at the Stok Cae Ras.

In front of co-owner Ryan Reynolds, Wrexham’s class of 2025–26 etched their names into FA Cup folklore by knocking out top-flight opposition on penalties after a six-goal thriller that embodied everything magical about the world’s oldest domestic cup competition.

Hollywood Drama Meets FA Cup Tradition

Wrexham twice held commanding two-goal leads against last season’s FA Cup semi-finalists, only to be dragged — visibly exhausted — into extra time. What followed was a nerve-shredding penalty shootout that ended with the Red Dragons standing tall, producing a climax worthy of their modern-day Hollywood association.

For a club steeped in FA Cup history, this victory ranks among the most dramatic. Watching from the stands was Mickey Thomas, the hero of Wrexham’s iconic 1992 win over Arsenal — a symbolic reminder that cup upsets are woven into the club’s DNA.

Before kick-off, manager Phil Parkinson revealed he had long hoped for a Premier League opponent since Wrexham’s remarkable journey from the fifth tier began five years ago.

“We highlighted to the lads some of the great moments in this club’s history in the FA Cup and asked if we could make our own bit of history tonight,” Parkinson said. “We’ve certainly done that.”

Ending a 25-Year Wait for a Top-Flight Scalp

By defeating Forest, Wrexham beat Premier League opposition for the first time since 1999, booking their place in the fourth round and reinforcing their reputation as modern FA Cup giant-killers.

But this win felt different — not just a shock result, but another chapter in an ever-growing narrative.

“It’s not just about the money, the fame and the people involved,” Dyche admitted. “To keep that edge and keep pushing like they are doing is tremendous.”

With Wrexham sitting just outside the Championship play-off places — a remarkable position for a club that was non-league as recently as 2023 — Dyche added: “They might well add to the story.”

‘Stories Everywhere’ on a Magical Night

From goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo’s decisive penalty heroics to Ollie Rathbone’s thunderous return from injury, the match was packed with defining moments. First club goals from Liberato Cacace and Dom Hyam only added to the sense that this was a night overflowing with narrative twists.

“It’s a magical night,” said Cacace. “It’s just a classic FA Cup game.”

For Reynolds, who was joined by his mother in the stands, it was another unforgettable evening at the Stok Cae Ras.

“I’m sure he’ll be delighted to feel that emotion again inside the stadium,” Parkinson said of the actor and co-owner.

Momentum Building On and Off the Pitch

The FA Cup heroics come amid strong league form. Wrexham are just one point outside the Championship’s top six, having won four consecutive matches in the second tier for the first time this season.

Further encouragement comes from the injury front, with Lewis Brunt, Andy Cannon, Danny Ward, Kieffer Moore and Issa Kabore all edging closer to returns. The possibility of January transfer reinforcements has not been ruled out either.

Forest Left to Reflect as Wrexham Dream On

For Nottingham Forest, attention now turns firmly back to Premier League survival. Dyche was particularly critical of his team’s first-half performance.

“We told them about Wrexham — and we were miles off,” he said. “It wasn’t until three key players came on that we looked like a Premier League outfit.”

Yet even in defeat, Forest inadvertently reinforced the growing belief that Wrexham belong on a much bigger stage.

Are the Stars Aligning?

After another unforgettable night under the lights at the Stok Cae Ras, Wrexham supporters are daring to believe that this season could be something truly special — in the FA Cup and beyond.

With momentum building, injuries easing and belief surging, the question now feels unavoidable: are Wrexham destined for the Premier League next?

If this latest chapter is any indication, the stars may indeed be aligning.