Nottingham Forest progressed to the fifth round of the FA Cup as they beat Bristol City on penalties in their fourth round replay at the City Ground.
The Reds started on the front foot and they made a positive spell count as they took the lead with eight minutes gone. Morgan Gibbs-White had already forced a save before Anthony Elanga’s deflected effort earned the hosts another corner. Felipe headed the ball goalwards and celebrated as if he had scored by doing his trademark flip, but it was Origi who got the final touch.
The lead did not last long. Matt Turner seemed to get a touch on Andy King’s initial shot which bounced off both posts, but Sam Bell kept the move alive and teed up Jason Knight to make it 1-1 in the 14th minute.
Turner was called upon a few times either side of the break as the visitors continued to look bright. Nevertheless, Forest began to push as extra-time loomed. Origi drove wide, Nuno Tavares had a shot saved and Neco Williams dragged an effort narrowly past the far post.
Just as at Ashton Gate, however, the teams could not be separated and an additional 30 minutes was required. Both sides had chances to bag a winner but it went to a penalty shootout to decide the tie. Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Williams, Moussa Niakhate and Taiwo Awoniyi netted for the Reds, while Turner denied Sam Bell to secure a 5-3 win on spot-kicks.
01:00Sarah Clapson
Nuno’s verdict
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo paid tribute to goalkeeper Matt Turner’s professionalism as Nottingham Forest secured progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup.
The American lost his place in the Reds’ starting XI last Sunday as January signing Matz Sels came straight into the team for the Premier League clash at Bournemouth. But Turner responded by playing a crucial role as Bristol City were beaten in the fourth round replay at the City Ground.
Read more, here
22:41Sarah Clapson
All over
Nottingham Forest progressed to the fifth round of the FA Cup as they beat Bristol City on penalties in their fourth round replay at the City Ground.
The Reds started on the front foot and they made a positive spell count as they took the lead with eight minutes gone. Morgan Gibbs-White had already forced a save before Anthony Elanga’s deflected effort earned the hosts another corner. Felipe headed the ball goalwards and celebrated as if he had scored by doing his trademark flip, but it was Origi who got the final touch.
The lead did not last long. Matt Turner seemed to get a touch on Andy King’s initial shot which bounced off both posts, but Sam Bell kept the move alive and teed up Jason Knight to make it 1-1 in the 14th minute.
Turner was called upon a few times either side of the break as the visitors continued to look bright. Nevertheless, Forest began to push as extra-time loomed. Origi drove wide, Nuno Tavares had a shot saved and Neco Williams dragged an effort narrowly past the far post.
Just as at Ashton Gate, however, the teams could not be separated and an additional 30 minutes was required. Both sides had chances to bag a winner but it went to a penalty shootout to decide the tie. Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Williams, Moussa Niakhate and Taiwo Awoniyi netted for the Reds, while Turner denied Sam Bell to secure a 5-3 win on spot-kicks. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the City Ground.
Read more, here
22:27Sarah Clapson
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
TAIWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
FOREST WIN ON PENALTIES!!!!!!!!!
22:26Sarah Clapson
4-3
Mehmeti scores. Turner got a hand to it
22:25Sarah Clapson
4-2
Niakhate puts his away to make it 4-2 Forest
22:24Sarah Clapson
3-2
Wells scores. It’s 3-2 to Forest
Think it is Elanga on the touchline who is too nervous to watch
22:23Sarah Clapson
3-1
Williams with a confident spot-kick to make it 3-1 Forest
Lot of pressure on this next one
22:23Sarah Clapson
SAVE
Turner denies Bell
It’s 2-1 to Forest still
22:22Sarah Clapson
2-1
CHO puts Forest back in front.
Thumped that one in. Put a lot of venom behind it. Keeper had no chance
22:21Sarah Clapson
1-1
Cornick scores for City.
Turner went the wrong way.
Put it into the same corner as MGW
22:21Sarah Clapson
1-0
MGW puts away the first pen.
Good one into the bottom corner
22:16Sarah Clapson
All over
Referee blows the whistle. So penalties it is as it has finished 1-1 after extra-time at the City Ground.
Turner has made some good saves during the game, so here’s hoping he’s got a few more in his locker….
Interesting to see who takes them for Forest
22:13Sarah Clapson
CLOSE
City go close again. Cornick fires wide after a quick break. Really should have hit the target with that one, but Forest escape.
Into the final minutes of extra-time. Penalties on the way if it stays like this.
22:07Sarah Clapson
Ten minutes to go
The visitors have come closest to a winner in this second period of extra-time. A bit of a goalmouth scramble just now but Forest somehow came away unscathed.
MGW is still going by the way. Looking a bit more comfortable now, but still not ideal
21:58Sarah Clapson
Half-time
Half-time of extra-time and still nothing between the teams. Still 1-1.
MGW chatting to the coaching staff as the players congregate for drinks. Doesn’t look comfortable at all and has been hobbling quite significantly. Last thing needed is to aggrevate anything.
21:53Sarah Clapson
SAVE
At the other end, Turner makes a decent save.
The more worrying thing is MGW looks to be struggling. Wasn’t moving well at all as he half-ran back to help out defensively. Hopefully he is able to run whatever it is off
21:48Sarah Clapson
Chance
Williams forces a corner after another bright bit of play. Needed a good save at the keeper’s near post to keep him out.
Gardner has looked bright and confident since coming on, which is good to see.
21:44Sarah Clapson
Here we go (again)
First period of extra-time is up and running.
Cornick tries an early effort for City but it is well off target.
Got to hope the additional 30 mins are not too much of an energy-sapper for some of the Forest players – particularly Awoniyi as he continues to work his way to full fitness
21:39Sarah Clapson
Arrghhh
Referee blows the whistle just as CHO was about to launch a final attack for Forest.
It’s finished 1-1 after normal time. So into extra-time we go. Another 30 minutes to come.
Nothing to separate the two teams again, just as at Ashton Gate
21:34Sarah Clapson
Sub
Montiel seems to have picked up a knock. Gardner comes on to replace him and gets a big cheer from the crowd.
Four minutes of added time. Four minutes to avoid another 30…
21:33Sarah Clapson
Arrghhhhh
Now Williams drags an effort wide of the far post. Came from a good counterattack.
Probably jinxed it now but Forest are pushing to get the winner, and are looking better in attack.
Just need to find that last little bit to make it count
21:25Sarah Clapson
SAVE
Tavares quickly makes an impact by forcing a save.
Caught his shot well from inside the box. Was straight at the keeper but still needed a strong save.
Forest pushing to avoid extra-time as we head towards the 90
21:19Sarah Clapson
Subs
Another double substitution
This time it is Williams and Tavares on for Toffolo and Origi.
Williams, in particular, should offer a bit of energy and fresh legs as others start to tire.
21:17Sarah Clapson
73mins
Ooooh. Close.
Really positive moment from the Reds and a nice passage of play.
CHO played the ball to Awoniyi, who did some terrific work holding it up. Tried to work the space but played it to Origi, who drove narrowly wide from outside the area
21:08Sarah Clapson
Subs
Nuno makes a double change.
A big cheer as Awoniyi comes on for Kouyate. CHO on for Elanga.
Nuno really going for it, having Awoniyi and Origi on together. Interesting to see how that partnership works
A relief CHO’s injury from Sunday wasn’t serious
20:59Sarah Clapson
54mins
Forest not really got going in this second half yet. City seeing more of the ball and are composed with it. By contrast, the Reds feel a little scrappy when they get it. Need to knock it about for a bit and build a decent spell like they did early in the first half.
Just as I write that, MGW instigates a decent move which ended with Origi putting a ball across goal, but it was behind everyone in the area
20:54Sarah Clapson
50mins
Bristol City have made the brighter start to the second half. They’ve had Forest pinned back for the first few minutes since the restart. Turner has just had to make another save to keep out Mehmeti. Forest do look a little laboured at the back at times. Few players rusty, maybe
20:50Sarah Clapson
Here we go
Second half is up and running at the City Ground.
Sure Forest will be particularly keen to avoid this tie going to extra-time.
First half was OK, not great but still a few moments of promise.
Wonder if Nuno will be tempted by making changes at any point or whether he keeps the likes of Awoniyi and CHO back for Saturday
20:33Sarah Clapson
Half-time
All-square at the break. It’s 1-1. Origi’s opener was quickly cancelled out by Knight.
Turner has had to make a few saves since then as City have been bright.
Forest have seen a fair bit of the ball and had a few half-chances since the goal but it’s a pretty even affair so far.
All set up for the second half…
20:27Sarah Clapson
40mins
Heading into the final minutes of the first half and it’s still 1-1. Not too many moments of note in the last few minutes.
Forest are plugging away but City are proving resolute. Nothing separating the sides (in scoreline and performance) at the minute.
20:17Sarah Clapson
30mins
Turner makes another save. Thwarts a driven effort from Conway.
Bristol City are certainly not afraid to have a go. They have looked confident in possession and capable of causing Forest problems at the back.
This tie still has a long way to go. Can see more goals…
20:09Sarah Clapson
22mins
MGW and Origi have both tried their luck in the last couple of mins. MGW hooked his effort over from outside the box. Origi argued he should have had a corner from his headed attempt but a goal-kick was given.
Elanga is doing well down the right. Forest do look a threat going forward. City look bright too, though
20:00Sarah Clapson
GOAL
City equalise. 1-1.
Visitors are quickly back on level terms.
Initial shot bounced off the woodwork but Knight was there to slot in the follow-up.
19:56Sarah Clapson
1-0
Thought it was Felipe who got it from a corner. He certainly celebrated by doing his trademark flip.
However, it has been credited to Origi. Not seen a replay yet.
Either way, came from a good spell
19:55Sarah Clapson
GOOOOOOOOOOOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
FOREST LEAD 1-0!!!
Was checked by VAR for a possible handball but goal stands
19:52Sarah Clapson
6mins
Bristol City had pinned Forest back for a few mins. Forced the hosts to play the ball across the back line. Omobamidele passed to Turner, who put it out of play – not the start he would have wanted.
At the other end, MGW forced a save with a good effort from inside the area
19:47Sarah Clapson
2mins
Good start by Forest.
Nice passing move, started by Kouyate. Played in Montiel, who then fed Elanga. Good cross across the face of goal but nobody quite there to make the most of it.
Promising, though. On the front foot from the start
19:46Sarah Clapson
Here we go
We are up and running at the City Ground.
Both teams had a huddle before kick-off.
Crowd has filled out quite a lot, which is good. MOK was superb,
19:42Sarah Clapson
Almost time
Teams are out and we are just about ready to get this FA Cup fourth round replay going at the City Ground.
Crowd is still a bit sparse. Seems that might be as a result of the problems on the roads. Hopefully everyone gets in and arrives safely.
Here’s hoping for a strong start by Forest, and that there’s no need for extra-time….. (hopefully not just put the curse on it by speaking it out loud!)
19:27Sarah Clapson
Getting ready
Teams are going through their warm-ups now – they will be needed as it’s freeeezing here! Apologies in advance for any typos as I’m wearing two pairs of gloves so have fat fingers.
Callum Hudson-Odoi seems to be going through his paces OK, which is a positive sign. No point in risking him from the start tonight but maybe come on for a few minutes.
Good to see Felipe back in the XI. Interesting to see how the three-man defence fares under Nuno
19:03Sarah Clapson
The line-ups
Not a bad Forest line-up, all told. Nuno’s options very limited but he has still gone strong. A big chance for Origi to show what he can do – hasn’t featured since Nuno’s first game in charge when he was brought off after 25mins following Boly’s red card. Not a surprise to see Awoniyi on the bench, given he played the full 90 at Bournemouth and there is a big game on Saturday coming up.
18:47Sarah Clapson
Team news
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has named his Nottingham Forest team to face Bristol City in tonight’s FA Cup clash.
The Reds go into the fourth round replay at the City Ground looking to get past the Robins at the second attempt. It finished 0-0 when the sides met at Ashton Gate last month.
Changes have been made to the Forest squad since then but January signings Matz Sels, Gio Reyna and Rodrigo Ribeiro are ineligible to feature tonight. And the trio are not the only players ruled out.
Read more, here
18:23Sarah Clapson
Selection headache
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo finds himself with “problems to solve” as Nottingham Forest prepare for their FA Cup replay.
The Reds are short of options for tonight’s fourth round tie with Bristol City. New signings Matz Sels, Gio Reyna and Rodrigo Ribeiro are ineligible to feature, while Ryan Yates and Nicolas Dominguez are suspended.
Additionally, Chris Wood is struggling with a hamstring injury and Divock Origi has not featured since Nuno’s first game in charge. Forest are also sweating on the fitness of Callum Hudson-Odoi after he hobbled off against Bournemouth on Sunday following a challenge by Philip Billing.
Read more, here
Sarah Clapson
Nuno on the FA Cup
Nuno has made clear how much the FA Cup means to him. He is eager for Forest to do well in it.
Explaining his love for the cup, he said recently…
The FA Cup is the oldest competition. It means a lot to us, to the club and to our fans. It is special to me.
It is a competition that gives a chance to every team to compete against anyone. Everybody is the same and it is the only competition that allows that situation, that is why it is so special.
It has huge value. It is a beautiful competition that allows us as a club to try to fight game after game for a trophy. It is very special.”
Sarah Clapson
Have your say
We want to know your thoughts on Forest’s January transfer window. Do you rate the business done? Are you happy with the signings made?
Three new arrivals came through the City Ground doors before the deadline. Goalkeeper Matz Sels joined on a permanent deal, while versatile attacker Gio Reyna and young striker Rodrigo Ribeiro penned loans.
Heading in the other direction, the Reds oversaw a few departures as they looked to trim numbers. Midfielder Orel Mangala was the most notable one.
Have your say on the business done in our survey below…
Sarah Clapson
Pre-match listening
Some pre-match listening for you ahead of tonight’s game. You can catch up on episodes of our Garibaldi Red podcast in the audio feed below – plenty there to keep you entertained!
Included in the feed is our recent interview with former Reds boss Mark Warburton. He talks about his time at the City Ground, Forest regrets and working for Fawaz in what is a pretty insightful and honest chat.
You can also listen to our most recent episode looking ahead to today’s game and reflecting on the draw with Bournemouth.
Sarah Clapson
Good evening
Hello all. Hope everyone is doing well.
Forest are in FA Cup action this evening as they host Bristol City in their fourth round replay. Up for grabs for the winners is a home tie against Manchester United in the next round.
Nuno has been putting out a strong team in the cup but it will be interesting to see how the Reds line up tonight. It has been a busy schedule lately and they have a big league game against Newcastle to come at the weekend.
Team news on the way at 6.45pm, with live updates from the City Ground to come
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.