12:17 pm today

Chris Wood helps Nottingham Forest into FA Cup quarter-finals

12:17 pm today
Chris Wood of Nottingham Forest (L) celebrates a win.

Chris Wood of Nottingham Forest (L) celebrates a win. Photo: Photosport

Nottingham Forest reached the FA Cup quarter-finals as they beat fellow Premier League club Ipswich Town on penalties after the City Ground clash ended 1-1 after extra time.

All Whites captain Chris Wood came off the bench for Forest and stepped up to convert the first shot of the penalty shootout.

After nine penalties found the back of the net, Forest keeper Matz Sels dived the right way to keep out Jack Taylor's effort and send his side through 5-4.

They will face Premier League rivals Brighton and Hove Albion away in the quarter-finals.

It continues a fine season for Forest, who are third in the Premier League, with Wood having contribued a club-record 18 goals to have him ranked fourth in the race for the golden boot.

George Hirst gave Ipswich the lead in the second half with a header through a crowd but Forest replied when Ryan Yates was picked out by Anthony Elanga's inswinging cross to nod home.

Callum Hudson-Odoi hit the crossbar for Forest shortly afterwards as Forest took charge but Ipswich held out to take the tie to 30 minutes of uneventful extra time.

Sels then made the difference with a crucial save to put Forest in their second FA Cup quarter-final in four seasons.

"The game was not so good. In the end extra time is a gamble, you don't want to gamble too much," Sels, whose save helped Forest beat Exeter City on penalties in the previous round, told ITV Sport.

"I'm happy I could help the team to the next round. It was the only penalty I was in the right corner. In penalties one of the goalkeepers is going to be the hero.

"I am happy. Looking forward to the weekend now."

Forest host Manchester City on Saturday in the Premier League as they push for a Champions League spot.

For Ipswich it is back to the reality of trying to avoid relegation back to the Championship.

- Reuters

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