Nottingham Forest secured their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup after a thrilling penalty shootout victory over Bristol City at the City Ground. The hosts will now face Manchester United in the next round, while the visitors were left to rue their missed chances.
Origi and Knight score early goals
The game started with a bang as both teams scored within the first 15 minutes. Forest took the lead in the eighth minute when Divock Origi headed in a cross from Felipe Anderson. The Belgian striker, on loan from Liverpool, scored his third goal in four games for the Reds.
Bristol City responded quickly and equalised six minutes later. Tyreeq Knight, making his first start for the Robins, volleyed in a cross from Patrick Roberts. The 19-year-old midfielder, on loan from Manchester City, showed his composure and quality in front of goal.
Turner and Bentley keep the score level
The rest of the first half was a tight affair, with both teams creating chances but failing to convert them. Forest goalkeeper Matt Turner, on loan from New England Revolution, made some crucial saves to deny Nahki Wells and Antoine Semenyo. The American shot-stopper, who has been impressive since joining Forest in January, also kept out a header from Tomas Kalas in the second half.
Bristol City goalkeeper Daniel Bentley was equally busy and thwarted several attempts from Forest. He denied Origi a second goal with a fine save in the first half and also stopped shots from Lewis Grabban and Joe Lolley in the second half. He also saved a penalty from Origi in the shootout, but it was not enough to prevent Forest from advancing.
Awoniyi scores the decisive penalty
The game went to extra time and then to penalties, as neither team could find a winner in 120 minutes. Forest scored all five of their spot-kicks, with Taiwo Awoniyi, on loan from Liverpool, scoring the decisive one. The Nigerian striker, who had come on as a substitute in the second half, calmly slotted the ball past Bentley to send Forest through.
Bristol City missed one of their penalties, as Sam Bell saw his effort saved by Turner. The 18-year-old forward, who had also come on as a substitute, looked nervous as he stepped up to take the fourth penalty for the Robins. He hit the ball low and hard, but Turner guessed the right way and pushed it away.
Forest set up a clash with Man Utd
Forest celebrated their win and booked their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time since 2018. They will now face Manchester United at Old Trafford, a fixture that will bring back memories of their famous 1-0 win in 1990, when Mark Robins scored the only goal.
Bristol City were left disappointed and exited the FA Cup in the fourth round for the second consecutive season. They will now focus on their Championship campaign, where they are currently ninth in the table, six points off the play-off places.
