In a night that perfectly encapsulated their Hollywood story, Wrexham AFC delivered a stunning FA Cup upset, defeating Premier League Nottingham Forest 4-3 on penalties after a breathtaking 3-3 draw, to advance to the competition’s fourth round. It was the Welsh club’s first victory over top-flight opposition in 26 years, sending a raucous STōK Cae Ras into delirium and co-owner Ryan Reynolds into a frenzy of celebration in the stands.
The match was a classic cup tie, filled with twists, relentless drama, and ultimate glory for the underdog. Wrexham, riding high in the Championship under their celebrity ownership, twice took commanding two-goal leads, only to be hauled back by a resilient Forest side that refused to be beaten in normal time.
The home side seized control with two first-half goals in quick succession. Liberato Cacace broke the deadlock with a deflected 20-yard drive in the 37th minute, before Oliver Rathbone doubled the advantage just three minutes later, capitalizing on a defensive error. Sam Smith then missed a golden chance to make it three before halftime, a moment that looked like it might prove costly.
Forest manager Sean Dyche responded with a triple substitution at the break, and the Premier League side emerged transformed. After sustained pressure, Igor Jesus powered in a header to give the visitors hope. Just as Wrexham seemed to have sealed it with Dominic Hyam’s brilliant diving header from a free-kick in the 74th minute, Forest hit back instantly through substitute Callum Hudson-Odoi.
The Chelsea loanee then produced a moment of sheer class in the 89th minute, controlling a cross on his chest before lofting a sublime volley over goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo to force extra time and complete a sensational comeback.
With no further goals in the additional 30 minutes, the epic contest moved to a penalty shootout. After both teams converted their first four spot-kicks, Wrexham’s hero emerged. Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, who had made several key saves throughout the night, became the decisive figure, saving Forest’s fifth penalty from Omari Hutchinson to spark wild celebrations across the stadium and confirm a historic victory.
For co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, watching from the stands, it was another iconic moment in their transformative tenure. The victory, Wrexham’s first over a Premier League club since beating Middlesbrough in 1999, proves their project is not just about off-field glamour but tangible, on-pitch success against the elite.
Forest, last season’s semifinalists, will be left to rue a slow start and a rotated lineup, but this night belonged entirely to Wrexham. In the world’s oldest cup competition, they have written a new, unforgettable chapter in their remarkable fairytale, proving once again that on their famous turf, anything is possible.
