Wrexham AFC secured a fairy-tale FA Cup victory by knocking out Premier League side Nottingham Forest in a penalty shootout after a thrilling 3-3 draw, continuing their remarkable rise under Hollywood ownership. The win, witnessed by co-owner Ryan Reynolds, epitomized the magic of the cup and added another chapter to the club’s storied history.
In a dramatic third-round clash at the Stok Cae Ras, Wrexham twice held two-goal leads against last year’s semi-finalists, only to be pegged back and forced into extra time. The Championship side showed resilience and attacking flair, with goals from new signings and key players keeping the dream alive. Despite Forest’s late surge, the match culminated in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout where Wrexham emerged victorious, etching their class of 2025-26 into cup folklore.
Manager Phil Parkinson had long dreamed of such a Premier League challenge, and he praised his team for creating their own bit of history. ‘We highlighted to the lads some of the great moments in this club’s history in the FA Cup, and we’ve certainly made our own tonight,’ he said. The victory marked Wrexham’s first over top-flight opposition since 1999, propelling them into the fourth round and fulfilling a five-year ambition since their ascent from the fifth tier began.
Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche was scathing of his players’ performance, acknowledging Wrexham’s edge while lamenting his team’s lack of effort. ‘We were miles off in the first half,’ Dyche admitted, though he credited substitutes for improving the display. He conceded that Wrexham’s story, fueled by investment and ambition, is compelling and far from over, noting their potential to add to the narrative with Championship promotion in sight.
Key contributions came from across the squad, with goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo’s penalty saves hailed as heroic, and Ollie Rathbone’s return from injury adding midfield dynamism. Liberato Cacace and Dom Hyam scored their first goals for the club, adding to the narrative of a team firing on all cylinders. Parkinson described the night as having ‘stories everywhere,’ from individual breakthroughs to collective triumph, with even FA Cup legend Mickey Thomas watching on.
The win underscores Wrexham’s rapid ascent from non-league football just a few years ago to now challenging for Championship promotion. Sitting one point outside the play-offs, the club is balancing cup success with league ambitions, bolstered by a squad nearing full fitness and potential January reinforcements. For Forest, the focus shifts to Premier League survival, with Dyche using the defeat as a lesson in professionalism and team selection.
Looking ahead, Wrexham fans are left to wonder if the stars are aligning for a season to remember, blending FA Cup romance with a push for the top flight. As the club continues to write its own script, this victory serves as a testament to their growth and the enduring appeal of football’s oldest competition. The journey, much like the match itself, is filled with drama and hope, with Reynolds and the community riding the wave of this cinematic rise.
