The FA cup fourth round had already produced a cupset in Devon, with Exeter’s rivals Plymouth Argyle defeating juggernauts Liverpool. Exeter had the opportunity to knock out high flying Forest in their first fourth round tie since 1981. The winner of the fixture would progress to play Ipswich Town at home, with both sides previous results against the tractor boys largely contrasting each other. St James Park was sold out on a brisk Tuesday evening, the rarity of the occasion had the magic of the cup brewing with hopes of an underdog delight. Despite Exeter’s poor form, the away side weren’t going to dominate. Forest’s last League One matchup was forced into a cup replay against Blackpool, although the implementation of new regulations have seen FA cup replays removed, meaning the game would have to be settled in one night.

Exeter’s intensive atmosphere was transferred onto the pitch with the home side capitalising on an early Carlos Miguel mistake via captain Josh Magennis. The ball was bundled into the net in front of the travelling fans eyes giving City a dream start. Forest gained composure, flexing their premier league quality, gradually securing control of the game. Recently returned Danilo had a set of half chances from the edge of the box evading Joe Whitworth. Exeter’s low block approach was providing space and freedom for Forest’s deeper midfielders to provide creativity. Ibrahim Sangare is another Forest player who has recently returned from a long term injury, his lofted pass found Ramon Sosa who controlled the ball delightfully in a compact area, finishing past Joe Whitworth ensuring a Forest equaliser just 15 minutes into the game. The game fell stagnant for some time before a deep Danilo cross located Awoniyi who was denied a goal by a fantastic Whitworth save. Pressure resumed, with Forest benefiting from their momentum. Sangare assisted another goal which was neatly turned and finished by Taiwo Awoniyi into the bottom left corner from just outside the box.

The second half began parallel to the first. Exeter delivered a dangerous corner, finding Magennis at the back post who’s first attempt was saved, but not the second. The goal was initially awarded as a Boly own goal, but on review of the decision, Magennis was accredited the goal warranting himself a brace. Forest’s season has largely consisted of counter attacking football, however they faced a different task when challenged with breaking down a defensive low block. The roles had reversed for Forest, and Nuno’s team were struggling to create goal threatening chances with possession of the ball. Nuno changed the team with his attacking substitute options, introducing Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White. The pair made an instant impact, with Forest’s number 8 developing a chance for himself finding the outside of the near post. Surprisingly, Exeter had a positive spell, reducing the away side’s threat and enlarging their own. This almost played into Forest’s favour as Paraguayan Sosa was released although did not release Gibbs-White who was through on goal and onside. Exeter debutant Ed Turns was having a pragmatic performance until he was awarded a red card in the 87th minute after a high tackle on Gibbs-White. The provisional 10 minutes of additional time was largely extended after a harrowing clash between Awoniyi and Whitworth. Medical updates later emerged exposing Awoniyi had broken his nose. Forest came close to finishing the game without extra time via Anderson and Jota, albeit unable to convert.

The fixture would have to be decided in extra time and if needed, penalties. Forest loanee Alex Moreno nearly conceded a foul in his own box, with Pat Jones avoiding him and drilling a low shot narrowly wide of the far post. Fatigue was taking its toll, the remainder of extra time consisted of a Wood header that was saved off the line by another Whitworth save. The fixture had to be decided by penalties.

Exeter arguably had an advantage, the shootout was set to occur in front of the Big Bank terrace, the largest in the EFL, with supporters giving full backing to the home side. Both sides converted their first penalties but the Grecians faltered, missing the following couple, gifting Forest a 2-4 win on penalties. Although Forest will be disappointed with their overall performance, Exeter deserve praise as they survived until penalties whilst playing with 10 men for approximately 45 minutes. Both teams can be positive, the favourites progressed to the fifth round and the underdogs displayed a vaillant performance on a bigger stage than normal.