Nottingham Forest advanced to the FA Cup quarter-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Ipswich Town at the City Ground on Monday night.
The match concluded 1-1 after extra time, with Forest prevailing 5-4 in the shootout.
Both teams entered the fifth-round tie with aspirations of progressing in the prestigious competition. The first half was a tightly contested affair, with neither side able to break the deadlock.
Ipswich Town struck first in the 54th minute when George Hirst capitalized on a set-piece opportunity, heading the ball past Forest’s goalkeeper, Matz Sels. This goal underscored Ipswich’s intent and put the visitors in a promising position.
Nottingham Forest responded in the 68th minute. Anthony Elanga delivered a precise cross into the box, finding Ryan Yates, who powered a header into the net to level the score.
This equalizer reignited the home crowd and set the stage for a thrilling conclusion.
Both teams had opportunities to clinch the match in regulation and extra time. Forest struck the crossbar, and Ipswich missed a close-range chance, but neither side could find the decisive goal.
The tension escalated as the match proceeded to penalties. Nottingham Forest’s penalty takers—Chris Wood, Morgan Gibbs-White, Elliott Anderson, Nico Williams, and Callum Hudson-Odoi—displayed composure, converting all their attempts.
Ipswich matched Forest until their fifth penalty, when Jack Taylor’s effort was saved by Matz Sels, securing Forest’s progression to the next round.
With this victory, Nottingham Forest has secured a quarter-final tie against Brighton & Hove Albion. The team will aim to build on this momentum as they continue their FA Cup journey.
