The Emirates FA cup is in full swing, and I had the opportunity to watch the rematch between Nottingham Forest and Bristol City. The last time the teams were against each other, they drew 0-0, so this was the deciding match to see which team would progress to the next round.
The FA cup, often dubbed as the world’s oldest football competition brings teams together from across England in a battle for the prestigious title. It has brought some remarkable memories in football history.
As someone who doesn’t have a season ticket to any football club, it is hard to be able to go to regular football games. But with the FA cup, it allows that chance to support football teams without having any restrictions which I really like. It’s much easier to get tickets to these matches compared to the regular league games.
It brings so much magic to the game. The club having new supporters join them for the first time as normally, they may not be able to attend league games. The FA cup holds so much for everyone, giving people that opportunity to attend their first match.
The excitement was bubbling all the way to the city ground. The fans already singing and cheering for their reds to bag another win. The atmosphere is like no other at the City Ground. The roars of the fans singing their songs and chanting their favourite players. They bring so much energy to the football club, always showing their support.
And in the 8th minute of the game, the City Ground was roaring with excitement as Nottingham Forest go 1-0 up. Origi scored from a well worked corner following a flick on from Felipe.
But as quick as Forest scored their goal, Bristol fought back, with an impressive team goal from Jason Knight equalising the game in the 14th minute.
As the second half struck, Mull Of Kintyre filled the stadium as the fans sung, cheering their team in the hope of a second goal. But the match ended with the score still 1-1. It was time to face extra time.
Suspension filled the stadium as the teams faced extra time, with fans on the edge of their seats and players feeling the weight of the moment with each passing second.
Neither teams could pull away from the other during the additional extra time, so it was time for a penalty shootout. Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi, Williams, Niakhate and Awoniyi all scored for the Reds, giving them the 5-3 victory.
After the intense penalty shootout, Nottingham Forest succeeded their place in the fifth round of the FA cup. They will now face Manchester United at the City Ground on February 28th.
*Article provided by Stacey Smith (Nottingham Forest Correspondent).
*Main image @OhSoStacey_ the City Ground under the lights on Wednesday night.
Amazing article, I love hearing about these fa cup & generally other match day stories! Hopefully more where this came from in future!