It took a marathon 150 minutes, but Nottingham Forest finally overcame Exeter City to secure a spot in the FA Cup Fifth Round on Tuesday night.
The match started with a bang as Josh Magennis gave Exeter an early lead, sending the St James Park crowd into a frenzy. However, Forest responded quickly, with Ramón Sosa leveling the score just 15 minutes later.
Forest then seized control of the match, with Taiwo Awoniyi scoring a well-executed goal just before the break, turning and finishing with precision to make it 2-1. At this point, it seemed as though the Premier League side would go on to dominate the game.
But Exeter was far from done. Magennis popped up again early in the second half, finding the net to make it 2-2 just five minutes after the restart, ensuring the game would remain a thrilling contest.
As the match unfolded, both sides had opportunities to snatch a win. Jota Silva came closest for Exeter, striking the post in the dying moments, while Forest’s Joe Whitworth was kept busy in the City goal throughout the match. However, Exeter also squandered several key chances to make history, with Pat Jones, Jay Bird, and Ilmari Niskanen all failing to convert promising opportunities.
Exeter’s Ed Turns, making his debut for the Grecians, was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Morgan Gibbs-White late in normal time, further complicating their situation. To add to the drama, Awoniyi was later forced off with a broken nose after taking a knock, leaving the match hanging in the balance as it headed into extra time.
The game was a pulsating affair from start to finish, and those in attendance certainly got their money’s worth, with nearly three hours of non-stop action for the price of a standard ticket. Yet, despite the high drama, the match could have ended very differently, as both teams had clear chances to win during regular time.
Exeter manager Gary Caldwell admitted after the game that he pushed for a result, even with his team reduced to 10 men. He also noted that Forest’s manager, Nuno Espírito Santo, was equally intent on avoiding extra time. This season’s new FA Cup format, which eliminates replays in favor of deciding the match on the night, made both managers eager to avoid the additional 30 minutes.
“I thought it was a heroic effort, it feels like we’ve been playing for about three days!” Caldwell said after the final whistle, acknowledging his team’s determination despite the setback of a red card.
The statistics tell the story of an incredibly competitive match. Forest dominated possession with 77% to Exeter’s 23%, but both sides created their fair share of chances. Forest’s expected goals (xG) was higher at 2.48 compared to Exeter’s 1.2, yet both teams had two big chances each, with one key miss on each side. In the end, it was Forest who triumphed, winning 4-2 in the penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in extra time.
Caldwell reflected on the goals his team conceded, feeling they were soft and could have been prevented. “We didn’t feel like they really carved us open,” he said. “The disappointing thing was the two goals, but I thought we played well in the second half, especially with 10 men. We frustrated them, they had to play more passes than usual, which isn’t their normal style.”
Despite facing criticism from some sections of the Exeter fanbase due to recent poor league results, Caldwell’s tactical setup showed resilience, and his players put in a performance that will be remembered, even in defeat.
Both managers shared the same goal: avoid extra time. With the league season in full swing, neither side wanted to risk fatigue, especially with crucial matches ahead. “The sending-off obviously changed the game,” Caldwell said. “But we dug in, the finishers came on, and we gambled in the last 10 minutes. Both teams had chances, and I think on another night, one of our late chances might have gone in.”
Now, both teams will have to recover from their bruising encounter. Exeter faces a crucial relegation battle in League One against Cambridge United this weekend, while Forest will continue their push for European football, traveling to Fulham in the Premier League.
The night’s drama, heartache, and moments of brilliance ensured that this FA Cup tie will be remembered as one of the season’s most thrilling encounters. While Exeter’s valiant efforts fell short, they gave Forest a serious test and delivered a cup tie full of excitement, passion, and unpredictability.
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