(Blackpool – Nottingham Forest, FA Cup third round) Nottingham Forest encountered countless difficulties in the match with lower-ranked opponent Blackpool.
It was thought that the draw named Blackpool would be a stroke of luck for Nottingham Forest as they only had to face a lower-ranked opponent. However, complacency in the home match caused coach Nuno Espirito Santo and his team to be held to a draw and have to enter the replay on the opponent’s field.
As soon as the referee blew the whistle to start the match, Nottingham Forest did not hide their intention to preemptively attack and soon had fun. Minute 16 Omobamidele opened the score for the away team with an accurate cushion after a free kick on the right wing.
Having an early goal made it easier for Nottingham to play. They continued to double the gap with young talent Danilo’s goal at the beginning of the second half after a mistake by Blackpool goalkeeper Grimshaw.
The match was thought to have been decided, but Blackpool once again showed courage. In the 61st minute, Morgan hit a classy shot to shorten the score before Joseph scored the equalizer in the 78th minute amid an explosion from the home team’s fans.
The match entered extra time and Blackpool almost took the lead in the 99th minute. Karamoko Dembélé passed goalkeeper Vlachodimos but luckily for Nottingham, Orel Mangala was able to clear the ball on the line. In the 110th minute, Yates’s cross in goal was easily cushioned by Chris Wood right in front of the goal, bringing the decisive goal 3-2 and sending Nottingham to the fourth round against Bristol City.
Final score: Blackpool 2-3 Nottingham Forest (H1: 0-1)
Goal:
Blackpool: Morgan (61′), Joseph (78′)
Nottingham Forest: Omobamidele (16′), Danilo (46′), Wood (110′)
Squad:
Blackpool : Grimshaw, Husband, Connolly, Lawrence-Gabriel, Lyons, Casey, Norburn, Morgan, Rhodes, Hamilton, Dembélé
Nottingham Forest: Vlachodimos, Toffolo, Murillo, Worrall, Murillo, Omobamidele, Yates, Domínguez, Danilo, Wood, Hudson-Odoi
