Nottingham Forest Survives Exeter City Scare in FA Cup Thriller
Nottingham Forest narrowly avoided an FA Cup upset against 10-man Exeter City, securing a 4-2 penalty shootout victory after a hard-fought 2-2 draw at St James Park. The Premier League side, who made 10 changes to their starting lineup, were pushed to their limits by the League One outfit in a thrilling fourth-round tie.
Exeter took an early lead when Josh Magennis capitalised on a goalkeeping error by Carlos Miguel, slotting home from close range in the fifth minute. Forest responded through Ramon Sosa, who levelled the score with a composed finish, before Taiwo Awoniyi put the visitors ahead with a well-taken goal. However, Magennis struck again early in the second half, deflecting a corner past Miguel to make it 2-2.
The game took a dramatic turn when Exeter debutant Ed Turns was sent off in the 87th minute for a high challenge on Morgan Gibbs-White. Despite being a man down, Exeter held firm, with goalkeeper Joe Whitworth making crucial saves to force extra time. Awoniyi was stretchered off late in normal time after a collision, adding to Forest’s woes.
In the penalty shootout, Forest held their nerve. Reece Cole missed Exeter’s second spot-kick, and Angus MacDonald hit the crossbar, while Neco Williams converted the decisive penalty to send Forest through. Exeter manager Gary Caldwell praised his team’s “heroic effort,” while Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo admitted relief at progressing, acknowledging the difficulty of the tie.
Forest will now host Ipswich Town in the fifth round, aiming to continue their cup run. Meanwhile, Exeter’s valiant performance earned plaudits, with Caldwell highlighting the club’s potential and the pride of being England’s only supporter-owned club.
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