Forest's enchanted fairytale season survives shootout

Matz Sels was Nottingham Forest’s penalty hero yet again as they reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 34 years.

- ANDY SIMS

The Belgian goalkeeper saved spot-kicks from Jack Hinshelwood and Diego Gomez as Forest beat Brighton & Hove Albion 4-3 on penalties after a largely dismal goalless draw at the Amex Stadium.

Sels had previously made crucial saves in the shootouts against Exeter and Ipswich in the previous two rounds.

“Good goalkeeping but also good shooting,” said coach Nuno Espirito Santo. “The third time and it’s the first penalty we missed in all the shootouts. It’s credit to the players. And of course fantastic goalkeeping.”

Neco Williams skied his penalty for Forest but it did not matter as captain Ryan Yates stepped up to send the Reds through.

“It means a lot for all of us and especially for him to take the last penalty to send us to Wembley. Remarkable,” added Nuno, who sat in the dugout throughout the shootout while the rest of the players and staff stood shoulder-to-shoulder on the touchline.

“I’m too nervous. It’s a moment of anxiety. And superstition. I just prefer to sit down.”