Nottingham Forest emerged victorious in a dramatic FA Cup replay against Exeter City on Tuesday, 11th February 2025. The match, held at St James Park, captivated an audience of 8,330 spectators, as Nottingham Forest secured a narrow 4-2 win in a penalty shootout. Despite the intense contest ending 2-2 after extra time, Nottingham Forest managed to hold their nerve and advance to the next round.
The game began with Exeter City's Josh Magennis making an immediate impact, scoring in the 5th minute. His second goal in the 50th minute brought his FA Cup tally to six, underscoring his importance to the team. Ramon Sosa also found the net for Exeter City in the 15th minute, helping his side establish an early lead. However, Nottingham Forest's Taiwo Awoniyi responded in the 37th minute, keeping the visitors in contention.
As the match progressed, Exeter City's momentum was disrupted when Ed Turns received a red card in the 87th minute, forcing them to play with 10 men. Despite this setback, Exeter City showcased resilience and determination. Manager Gary Caldwell expressed pride in his team's performance.
"I am really proud of the team and the whole football club really. We just came up short on penalties, which is a lottery." – Gary Caldwell
The match was a replay after both teams had drawn 2-2 in their initial encounter. Nottingham Forest, fielding a weakened team with many regular starters rested, found themselves taken to extra time by their lower-league opponents. Fans at St James Park created an electrifying atmosphere, with Exeter City supporters displaying a large banner reading "Together We Can Create History."
Nuno Espirito Santo, Nottingham Forest's manager, acknowledged the challenges faced by his team during the match.
"I'm relieved, I think we all are. It was not the best game, of course. We started bad but we reacted well. In terms of the first half we were really dominant, created and changed the score." – Nuno Espirito Santo
Nottingham Forest eventually clinched victory through a tense penalty shootout. Neco Williams scored the decisive goal, sealing a 4-2 win for his team. The triumph marked a significant moment for Nottingham Forest, who had experienced a major FA Cup scare.
Exeter City had not tasted victory since their third-round triumph over Oxford, yet they delivered a formidable challenge to their higher-ranked opponents. Their spirited performance and ability to push Nottingham Forest to extra time highlighted their potential and determination.
The outcome of this tightly contested match underscores the unpredictability and excitement of the FA Cup. Both teams displayed commendable sportsmanship and skill, providing fans with a memorable spectacle.
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