Exeter City 2-2 Nottingham Forest: Penalty Shootout Drama

Nottingham Forest edged out Exeter City in a thrilling FA Cup fourth-round tie, winning 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. The match, played at St James Park, was filled with drama, injuries, and a heroic performance from the League One underdogs. This article delves into the key moments, the aftermath, and the implications for both teams.

A Fight to the Finish

Exeter City started brightly, taking the lead in the fifth minute thanks to Josh Magennis capitalizing on a goalkeeper error by Carlos Miguel. Forest, however, fought back with goals from Ramon Sosa and Taiwo Awoniyi, the latter scoring his second goal of the season before suffering a nasty-looking collision resulting in a concussion and a broken nose. A Willy Boly own goal leveled the score for Exeter, sending the game into extra time.

The drama continued when Exeter's Ed Turns was sent off in the 87th minute, leaving them to defend a one-man disadvantage for the remainder of the match and through extra time. Despite Forest's numerical advantage, Exeter held firm, forcing a penalty shootout.

Injury Concerns for Forest

Nottingham Forest's victory came at a cost. In addition to Awoniyi's injury, goalkeeper Carlos Miguel was also substituted with a suspected hamstring problem before the hour mark. These injuries leave Forest with significant concerns heading into their next fixtures. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo expressed relief at the result but acknowledged the severity of Awoniyi's injury while expressing hope for a swift recovery for Miguel.

Exeter's Proud Performance

Despite the loss, Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell expressed immense pride in his team's performance. He highlighted their commitment, teamwork, and the special atmosphere at the supporter-owned club. Caldwell emphasized that the match showcased the team's potential and what they are capable of achieving. "We showed our potential and how special we are," he stated.

Post-Match Reactions

Nuno Espirito Santo admitted it wasn't Forest's best performance but expressed relief at securing the victory and progressing to the fifth round. He praised Awoniyi's contribution despite his injury. The match served as a testament to Exeter's resilience and fighting spirit, even when facing adversity.

Looking Ahead

Nottingham Forest advances to the fifth round where they will face Ipswich Town at home. For Exeter City, the performance serves as a springboard, demonstrating their capabilities and potential for future success. The match highlighted the unpredictable nature of the FA Cup and the importance of never giving up.

FAQs

• Who won the Exeter City vs Nottingham Forest FA Cup match?
• Nottingham Forest won 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
• Were there any injuries in the match?
• Yes, Nottingham Forest suffered injuries to Taiwo Awoniyi (concussion and broken nose) and Carlos Miguel (suspected hamstring).
• What was the final score?
• The final score was 2-2 (4-2 on penalties).
• What league does Exeter City play in?
• Exeter City plays in League One.