Written in the stars, Wrexham have done it again. The Red Dragons’ famous FA Cup folklore gained a fresh chapter on a night that will live long in North Wales memory, as Phil Parkinson’s side dumped Premier League opposition Nottingham Forest out of the competition on penalties in front of a jubilant Ryan Reynolds.
At the SToK Cae Ras, the ground that has witnessed some of Wrexham’s greatest nights, another iconic story unfolded before a packed home crowd. With co-owner Ryan Reynolds and his mother in the stands, the Welsh club produced one of the biggest shocks of this season’s competition, edging past Nottingham Forest 4-3 on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Liberato Cacace and Ollie Rathbone put Wrexham two goals ahead before Forest clawed their way back through Igor Jesus. Dominic Hyam’s effort restored the cushion, but Callum Hudson-Odoi struck twice to drag the tie into extra time. When the whistle blew for penalties, it was goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo who became the hero, saving from Omari Hutchinson and Jesus to send Wrexham through.
Another Hollywood script at the Cae Ras
Manager Phil Parkinson could not hide his pride as he reflected on the victory. He revealed that before kick-off, he had reminded his players of Wrexham’s illustrious FA Cup past, including the famous win over Arsenal in 1992.
“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,” said Parkinson.
It was a result that perfectly captured the spirit of the competition. “It’s a magical night,” Parkinson added. “It’s just a classic FA Cup game.”
Ryan Reynolds’ presence only heightened the occasion. The Hollywood star watched nervously as the match ebbed and flowed, before celebrating wildly with the home fans when Okonkwo sealed the win. BBC cameras caught him applauding and embracing those around him as the final penalty hit the back of the net. “I’m sure he’ll be delighted to feel the emotion again inside the Cae Ras,” Parkinson said with a smile afterwards.
Okonkwo the hero, but the team shines
The North Wales Pioneer described it as “a fantastic team performance” in their post-match ratings. Every player played their part, but none more so than Okonkwo, whose saves were the difference between heartbreak and glory. Hyam was immense at the back, while George Dobson’s set-pieces caused chaos for Forest all evening.
Forest manager Sean Dyche could only praise Wrexham’s energy despite his frustration at his own players. “We built up to the game, there was a serious edge to it, we told them about Wrexham and we were miles off,” he admitted. Dyche, though visibly disappointed, conceded that something special is happening in North Wales.
“They might well add to the story,” said Dyche. “It’s not just about the fame or the people involved, but to keep that edge and keep pushing as they’re doing is tremendous.”
For Parkinson, the win felt like vindication for years of progress since Wrexham’s days in non-league football. “We’ve been on a journey from the fifth tier,” he said. “To take on a Premier League side and win like that shows just how far we’ve come.”
What comes next for Wrexham
The victory sends Wrexham into the FA Cup fourth round for the third time under Parkinson’s tenure. More than that, it signals a new era of belief at the club. Sitting just one point off the Championship play-offs and with several key players returning from injury, the Red Dragons are daring to dream of even bigger challenges to come.
Reynolds’ celebrations, Mickey Thomas watching on from the stands, and the sight of fans in tears at full-time — all of it combined to remind supporters that Wrexham’s bond with the FA Cup remains unbreakable. After Arsenal in 1992 and now Forest in 2026, the message is clear: the magic of the cup still lives in North Wales, and once again, Wrexham are its beating heart.
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