Wrexham's remarkable rise continues by knocking Premier League Nottingham Forest out of the FA Cup in dramatic fashion.
"The stories have been written in the stars, it seems. Literally."
While scathing of the effort of many of his own players, even Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche acknowledged something is stirring at Wrexham as they knocked his Premier League side out of the FA Cup.
In front of co-owner Ryan Reynolds, the Red Dragons' Class of 2025-26 etched themselves into cup folklore by taking their top-flight scalp at the Stok Cae Ras on penalties.
With drama befitting their modern-day Hollywood association.
Twice they were two goals clear against last year's semi-finalists before being dragged exhaustedly into extra-time, only to produce a dramatic climax.
For a club with FA Cup upsets stitched into its fabric, this was up there – with the hero of that iconic win over Arsenal in 1992, Mickey Thomas, looking on.
A special night, Phil Parkinson admitted having finally got his wish to take on a Premier League team since the club's bid to rise from the fifth tier began five years ago.
"We highlighted to the lads some of the great moments in this club's history in the FA Cup and could we make our own bit of history tonight. We've certainly done that," Parkinson said.
And then some - but they're getting used to writing their own scripts here.
"It's not just about the money, the fame and the people involved who have been amazing in the whole story, but to keep that edge and keep pushing as they're doing is tremendous," Forest boss Dyche said.
And with a nod to Wrexham's position just outside the Championship play-offs having been a non-league side as recently as 2023, he added: "They might well add to the story."
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From "colossus" Arthur Okonkwo's spot-kick heroics to Ollie Rathbone's continued rip-roaring return from injury, and first club goals for both Liberato Cacace and Dom Hyam thrown into the mix, Parkinson stated there were "stories everywhere" on a truly wild night in north Wales.
"It's a magical night. It's just a classic FA Cup game," said goal scorer Cacace, who was making his first start for Wrexham in more than two months.
It ensured co-owner Reynolds - accompanied by his mother who witnessed the glory of the world's oldest national football competition in full view - was not left disappointed.
"I spoke to him (Reynolds) for quite a while before the game and he's heading back to the US but I'm sure he'll be delighted to feel the emotion again inside the Stok Cae Ras," said Parkinson.
And crucially, there is more to come.
Wrexham sit just one point adrift of the Championship's top six having won four successive matches in the second tier for the first time in their history.
The likes of Lewis Brunt, Andy Cannon, Danny Ward, Kieffer Moore and Issa Kabore are all edging ever closer to returning from injury to bolster Parkinson's ranks.
The possibility of adding to the squad in the January transfer window has not been ruled out either.
It was briefly part of Parkinson's conversation with Reynolds on the night, but both knew it could wait until after the celebrations of reaching the fourth round.
Parkinson wants another home tie next, but he will also like - and get - talks about plans for the winter window with the club's hierarchy next week.
As for Forest, it's a case of back to the drawing board.
Their 2-1 win at West Ham United in midweek was as much-needed as their cup loss was disappointing, but it does at least give them a seven-point buffer over the top-flight's relegation zone.
Whereas Wrexham made their most of the chance, Dyche lambasted some players in a much-changed side for "not making most of the platform".
He added: "We built up to the game, there was a serious edge to it, we told them about Wrexham – and we were miles off.
"Then we had three important players who came on and showed their hand and the whole thing changed and we looked like a Premier League outfit.
"The only positive - if there is one out of that first half - is it shows why I'm picking the team I am."
Forest's focus will be Premier League survival but while Wrexham's will be to join them, another special night at the Stok Cae Ras shows their old romance with the FA Cup is no distraction.
Those leaving the iconic north Wales ground after another memorable night will wonder if the stars are aligning for them this season.
Category: General Sports
