Wrexham stun Nottingham Forest in six-goal FA Cup classic, win on penalties

On Friday, January 9, 2026, Wrexham produced one of the most dramatic nights in recent club history, holding Premier League Nottingham Forest to a 3-3 draw at the STōK Cae Ras before winning a penalty shootout 4-3 to reach the FA Cup fourth round. The Championship side twice led by two goals, the match featured a brace from Callum Hudson-Odoi for Forest, a diving header from Dominic Hyam, and two penalty saves from Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo that settled a six-goal classic.

Match summary

Wrexham took control in the closing minutes of the first half, Liberato Cacace driving in a long-range opener, and Oliver Rathbone adding a second just three minutes later to leave the home crowd buzzing. Nottingham Forest fought back in the second half, Igor Jesus heading their first back, but a superb Dominic Hyam header restored Wrexham's buffer. Forest substitute Callum Hudson-Odoi changed the game with two clinical finishes, the second arriving in the 89th minute to force extra time. After a goalless extra period, Wrexham held their nerve in the shootout, with Okonkwo denying Igor Jesus and Omari Hutchinson to spark jubilant celebrations.

Key facts

Key moments and turning points

• 37th minute, Liberato Cacace, Wrexham, strikes from distance to open the scoring, catching Forest goalkeeper off guard.
• 40th minute, Ollie Rathbone, a composed finish to make it 2-0 and put Wrexham firmly on top before halftime.
• 64th minute, Igor Jesus, a headed finish that cut the lead and gave Forest hope.
• 74th minute, Dominic Hyam, a diving header to restore a two-goal lead, seemingly decisive.
• 76th and 89th minutes, Callum Hudson-Odoi, two moments of class to level the tie and force extra time.
• Penalty shootout, Arthur Okonkwo saves from Igor Jesus and Omari Hutchinson, Wrexham win 4-3.

Tactical snapshot

Wrexham, set up to frustrate and counter, relied on quick transitions and set piece delivery, which produced Hyam’s decisive header. Manager Phil Parkinson selected a side that blended experienced heads with hungry younger pros, and Wrexham defended in numbers when Forest pressed.

Nottingham Forest arrived with heavy rotation, making eight changes from their recent Premier League side selection, a decision that reshaped the contest. Sean Dyche’s substitutions in the second half restored cohesion and attacking threat, but the early disruption was costly. Forest showed quality on the counter and through individual brilliance, Hudson-Odoi providing the cutting edge when it mattered.

Player impact and performances

• Arthur Okonkwo, Wrexham goalkeeper, finished as the matchwinner, saving two penalties and producing key stops during the game, his composure under pressure decisive in the shootout.
• Callum Hudson-Odoi, Nottingham Forest, restored parity with two excellent finishes, demonstrating why he is a game changer for top flight sides.
• Liberato Cacace and Ollie Rathbone combined to give Wrexham a dream start, Rathbone in particular continuing a rich vein of form.
• Dominic Hyam, an aerial presence, scored a vital goal to lift the home crowd late in the contest.

An FA Cup tie that had everything, drama, momentum swings, and a reminder that on the night, small teams can cause big upsets.

Reactions and context

Wrexham’s rise since the club’s takeover by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney has been well documented, and this result is another milestone in that trajectory, a victory over top flight opposition for the first time since 1999. Owners and fans celebrated a night that reinforced belief in the club’s progress, on and off the field.

Nottingham Forest’s manager expressed frustration with the first half performance, calling it unacceptable and insisting individuals must answer for the display. At the same time, he praised the players who were introduced in the second half for resurrecting the tie, highlighting the fine margins that decide cup matches.

Phil Parkinson praised his players for resilience and belief, pointing to a congested schedule and the physical demands of cup and league duties. The crowd reaction, and the presence of high profile owners in the stands, added to the occasion.

What this means for both clubs

• For Wrexham, progression to the fourth round brings both a morale boost and the financial upside that comes with a deeper FA Cup run. The result strengthens their season narrative, as a club that has risen quickly and aims to consolidate in the Championship while building infrastructure and a fanbase.
• For Nottingham Forest, the defeat will sting but the squad rotation and fixture congestion explain part of the picture. The performance of fringe players will be scrutinised, and the manager may balance the need to protect key players with the imperative to maintain standards in cup competitions.

Broader significance and what to watch next

A cup upset like this underlines the FA Cup’s enduring appeal, where single matches can redefine seasons and careers. Wrexham now await the fourth round draw, and the extra fixtures could influence their league workload. Forest will return focus to the Premier League, reassessing rotation strategies and the fitness of core players.

Quick takeaways

• Wrexham advanced on penalties after a 3-3 draw, January 9, 2026.
• Arthur Okonkwo was the decisive figure, saving two spot kicks.
• Callum Hudson-Odoi’s late equaliser forced extra time, underlining individual quality.
• The match highlighted the risks of heavy rotation, and the cup’s capacity for late drama.

Match statistics comparison

Final thoughts

This was an FA Cup night to remember for Wrexham, a game that will sit in supporters’ minds for years, and an example of how cup football can produce instant classics. For Nottingham Forest it is a warning, and an opportunity to respond in the Premier League. Either way, the result enriched the competition and left both fan bases with drama, talking points, and cause to plan ahead.

By David Anderson, veteran football correspondent with 25 years reporting on English football.