Ryan Reynolds celebrates wildly as Wrexham manage Hollywood-like win over Nottingham Forest in FA Cup

Callum Vurley

By Callum Vurley


Published: 09/01/2026

- 22:39

Wrexham 3-3 Nottingham Forest (4-3 on penalties): Sean Dyche comes under massive pressure

Ryan Reynolds was celebrating wildly at the Stok Cae Ras as his Wrexham side pulled off a stunning FA Cup upset against Premier League Nottingham Forest.

The Championship club triumphed 4-3 on penalties following a thrilling 3-3 draw, with goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo the hero after saving two spot-kicks in the shootout.


It's a result that will live long in the memory for the Welsh club and their Hollywood co-owner.

Phil Parkinson's men have now beaten top-flight opposition for the first time since 1999, booking their place in the fourth round in the most dramatic fashion imaginable.

Wrexham triumphed over Nottingham Forest after an enthralling FA Cup clash

Wrexham triumphed over Nottingham Forest after an enthralling FA Cup clash

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REUTERS

Wrexham took control of the tie with two quickfire goals before half-time that had the home supporters dreaming of a famous upset.

Liberato Cacace opened the scoring in brilliant style, smashing the ball past Mats Sels from 20 yards out after George Dobson had won possession in midfield.

It was the defender's first goal for the club, and what a moment to get it – his first start in over two months.

Just three minutes later, Ollie Rathbone doubled the advantage with a cool finish, benefiting from a lucky deflection off Morata to slot home his fourth goal since returning from injury.

Forest weren't about to go quietly, though, and Igor Jesus gave them hope when he nodded home on 64 minutes for his eighth goal of the campaign.

Dom Hyam looked to have sealed it for the hosts just ten minutes later, powering a header into the net from George Dobson's superb delivery – his first goal since arriving from Blackburn Rovers.

But Callum Hudson-Odoi had other ideas, pulling one back with a composed finish from 15 yards.

The 25-year-old then showed remarkable composure in the dying moments, controlling on his chest before firing past Okonkwo to force extra-time.

The goalless extra-time period saw Forest looking the more likely to snatch a winner, with Neco Williams and Omari Hutchinson both testing Okonkwo.

Arthur Okonkwo saved two penalties to become a Wrexham hero

Arthur Okonkwo saved two penalties to become a Wrexham hero

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REUTERS

But it was the shootout where the goalkeeper truly earned his hero status.

Josh Windass, Callum Doyle, George Thomason and Jay Rodriguez all found the net for Wrexham, keeping their nerve when it mattered most.

Okonkwo then produced two crucial saves, denying both Jesus and Hutchinson from the spot to spark wild celebrations among the home faithful.

It's Wrexham's first victory over top-flight opposition in 26 years – and what a way to do it.