Shoot-out victory puts Forest into next round

Nottingham Forest needed a penalty shoot-out victory to progress past Bristol City in a closely fought game at the City Ground.

The first game between these two sides was a tight affair and this one was no different although there were at least goals this time.

It was the Premier League team who took the lead within the first ten minutes when Divock Origi got the last touch on a corner from the left to bag his first goal for Nottingham Forest.

That lead didn't last long though. The second-tier outfit after a long-range effort bounced off the woodwork before eventually finding its way to Jason Knight who levelled things with a clever finish.

After that initial flurry, the game settled down with the Robins more than holding their own against top-tier opposition once again.

It was also evident as the game went on that both sides were getting tired so it was no surprise to see the game go into extra-time.

Of the two sides, it was Bristol City who had chances to win things. Second-half substitute Nahki Wells made a big difference when he came on from the bench and had a fantastic chance to score midway through the second added period.

The visitors had got in behind the defence and Nahki Wells looked like he was going to potentially grab a dramatic winner but couldn't sort his feet out in time and the chance was gone.

And while goalkeeper Matt Turner has faced criticism this season he had to be at his best to prevent Bristol City from having scored.

When it came to the penalty shoot-out it was Turner's save that put Nottingham Forest into the next round. 

Forest took their penalties first and it was 2-1 with all spot-kicks scored when Sam Bell was up for his shot. But Turner was able to stop it and give Nuno Espírito Santo's side the advantage.

Neither goalkeeper was able to get in the way of any of the following penalties meaning that when Taiwo Awoniyi converted his, it was all over.

With that victory, Nottingham Forest will now host Manchester United in the next round.

Through to the fifth round of the @EmiratesFACup.

🏆❤️ pic.twitter.com/zGhKNLqMug

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) February 7, 2024