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Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest live: Okonkwo saves two in shootout to send hosts into fourth round

Wrexham 3-3 Forest (4-3 on penalties): The Championship side shock Sean Dyche’s men after penalty shootout

No reason why Wrexham can't reach the Premier League – Parkinson

Wrexham held their nerve through a penalty shootout to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup after an incredible tie against Nottingham Forest.

The hosts took control of the match with two goals in the first half, the first from Liverato Cacace and the second from Ollie Rathbone, as they attempted to inflict defeat on their Premier League opponents.

Sean Dyche made changes at the break and instilled a new belief in Forest who pulled a goal back through Igor Jesus only for Dominic Hyam to restore Wrexham’s two-goal cushion.

Callum Hudson-Odoi came off the bench and scored a brace, including a dramatic late equaliser, to force the match into extra-time and penalties.

The final word went to Arthur Okonkwo though as the Wrexham goalkeeper saved two penalties including the decisive one to ensure the Red Dragons advance to the next round.

Relive the action from the Racecourse Ground with our live blog below:

Arthur Okonkwo’s penalty shootout heroics causes FA Cup shock as Wrexham beat Nottingham Forest

Wrexham won an FA Cup third-round thriller in front of Hollywood owner Ryan Reynolds as Nottingham Forest were dumped out of the competition on penalties after a 3-3 draw.

Arthur Okonkwo was the Wrexham hero with stops from Igor Jesus and Omari Hutchinson giving them a 4-3 victory on spot-kicks after Josh Windass, Callum Doyle, George Thomason and Jay Rodriguez had converted from the spot.

Arthur Okonkwo’s heroics causes FA Cup shock as Wrexham beat Nottingham Forest

Wrexham 3-3 Nottingham Forest (4-3 on penalties): Okonkwo saved two penalties in the shootout to decide the match in the Welsh side’s favour
Mike Jones9 January 2026 22:42

Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo speaking to TNT Sports:

"Thankfully we have good analysis people to help us out. I had a look at it before the game so really happy to make the two saves and help us win the game.

"The manager spoke to us before the game, told us about the history of the club and how we're able to beat teams who are way above us.

"It was amazing to win the game in the end. We just have to enjoy the moment."

Mike Jones9 January 2026 22:31

Oxford also through

Oxford United have reached the FA Cup fourth round for the first time since 2019-20.

They defeated MK Dons in a penalty shootout as well.

Mike Jones9 January 2026 22:25

Wrexham reach fourth round after penalty shootout

(Martin Rickett/PA Wire)
(Nick Potts/PA Wire)
Mike Jones9 January 2026 22:25

History for Port Vale

Elsewhwere, Port Vale have reached the FA Cup fourth round for just the third time this century, previously doing so in 2005-06 and 2013-14.

Mike Jones9 January 2026 22:21

Wrexham reach fourth round after penalty shootout

Wrexham held their nerve through a penalty shootout to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup after an incredible tie against Nottingham Forest.

The hosts took control of the match with two goals in the first half, the first from Liverato Cacace and the second from Ollie Rathbone, as they attempted to inflict defeat on their Premier League opponents.

Sean Dyche made changes at the break and instilled a new belief in Forest who pulled a goal back through Igor Jesus only for Dominic Hyam to restore Wrexham’s two-goal cushion.

Callum Hudson-Odoi came off the bench and scored a brace, including a dramatic late equaliser, to force the match into extra-time and penalties.

The final word went to Arthur Okonkwo though as the Wrexham goalkeeper saved two penalties including the decisive one to ensure the Red Dragons advance to the next round.

Mike Jones9 January 2026 22:20

Penalties: Wrexham 4-3 Forest

Omari Hutchinson is up.

He’s only 21-year-old and drills the penalty to Okonkwo’s left.

The goalkeeper chooses the correct way and keeps it out!

Wrexham are through to the fourth round. They’ve beaten Nottingham Forest on penalties!

Mike Jones9 January 2026 22:13

Penalties: Wrexham 4-3 Forest

Calm as you like from Jay Rodriguez who slots it into the bottom right corner.

Forest have to score...

Mike Jones9 January 2026 22:12

Penalties: Wrexham 3-3 Forest

Here comes Neco Williams for Forest.

He slots the shot underneath Okonkwo and Forest level.

The pressure is on.

Mike Jones9 January 2026 22:11

Penalties: Wrexham 3-2 Forest

George Thomason came off the bench for Wrexham and he does his job!

Sels gets his hand to the shot but there’s too much power and Wrexham go ahead again.

Mike Jones9 January 2026 22:11

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