Nottingham Forest hosted Ipswich Town in a gripping FA Cup fifth-round clash at the City Ground. The match, which ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time, went to penalties. Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels emerged as the hero, saving Jack Taylor’s spot-kick in sudden death. This victory secured Forest’s place in the quarter-finals against Brighton. Fans witnessed a tense battle between two Premier League sides with contrasting fortunes.
Nottingham Forest entered the game riding high in third place in the Premier League. Their strong home form at the City Ground gave them confidence. Meanwhile, Ipswich Town, struggling near the relegation zone, aimed to upset the odds. The Tractor Boys had already defied expectations by reaching this stage. Both teams knew the stakes were high with a winnable path to Wembley on the line.
The first half was a cagey affair with few clear chances. Forest, despite their attacking talent, failed to register a shot on target. Ipswich, making eight changes from their last league outing, looked organized. Manager Kieran McKenna’s rotation showed his focus on squad depth. The deadlock held until after the break, keeping fans on edge.
Second Half Sparks to Life: FA Cup
The game ignited in the second half with Ipswich striking first. In the 53rd minute, George Hirst headed home from a Ben Johnson corner. The Forest defense switched off, allowing Hirst an unmarked finish. The goal stunned the home crowd at the City Ground. Ipswich’s lead, however, wouldn’t last long.
Nottingham Forest responded quickly, leveling the score in the 68th minute. Ryan Yates rose highest to nod in a pinpoint cross. The equalizer sparked wild celebrations among the home faithful. Substitutes Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson injected fresh energy. Nuno Espirito Santo’s tactical tweaks paid off as Forest pushed for a winner.
Despite chances at both ends, neither side could find a decisive goal in regulation time. Ipswich’s defense held firm against Forest’s late pressure. Extra time loomed as the clock ticked down. The tension was palpable with both teams aware of the prize at stake. A penalty shootout seemed increasingly likely.
Extra Time and Penalties Decide the Tie
Extra time brought more drama but no breakthrough. Forest’s Chris Wood, introduced as a substitute, came close with a header. Ipswich’s Jack Clarke tested Sels with a curling effort. Fatigue set in, yet both sides battled fiercely. The match remained deadlocked at 1-1 after 120 minutes.
The penalty shootout began with Forest’s Wood confidently scoring. Ipswich captain Sam Morsy matched him, sending Sels the wrong way. Both teams traded perfect penalties through four rounds. Neco Williams and Ben Johnson kept the quality high, making it 4-4. Sudden death loomed as the pressure mounted.
In the fifth round, Matz Sels denied Jack Taylor with a crucial save. The City Ground erupted as Forest clinched a 5-4 victory. Taylor’s miss ended Ipswich’s brave FA Cup run. Forest’s knack for winning shootouts—11 of 12 historically—proved decisive once again.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Nottingham Forest now face Brighton in the FA Cup quarter-finals. Their dream season continues with a shot at Wembley in sight. Nuno’s side remains unbeaten at home since November. The win boosts their momentum ahead of a tough league clash with Manchester City. Fans are buzzing about a potential deep cup run.
Ipswich Town, despite the loss, showed resilience against a top side. Their focus now shifts to Premier League survival. A trip to Crystal Palace awaits this weekend. McKenna praised his team’s effort, vowing to build on their spirit. The Tractor Boys exit the cup with heads held high.
This match highlighted the FA Cup’s magic—unpredictable and thrilling. Forest’s home advantage and shootout prowess tipped the scales. Ipswich’s battling display earned them respect, if not a win. The fifth round concluded with a classic encounter. Football fans eagerly await the next chapter.
The victory keeps Forest’s hopes alive for a first FA Cup title since 1979. Their fans chanted late into the night, savoring the moment. Ipswich, meanwhile, rue a missed opportunity but take pride in their journey. The quarter-finals promise more excitement as the competition heats up.