Wembley awaits for shoot-out specialists

ANOTHER MEMORABLE MOMENT IN A REMARKABLE CAMPAIGN

- SARAH CLAPSON

ARMS aloft, Ryan Yates stood in front of the away end and soaked up every moment as he conducted Nottingham Forest fans in a rendition of "Que Sera, Sera Minutes earlier the Nigel Doughty Academy graduate had let out a big exhale of breath before coolly thumping the ball past Bart Verbruggen. The last man standing from the Reds' previous visit to Wembley three years ago had just sent them back there with the winning penalty in their FA Cup quarterfinal shoot-out against Brighton & Hove Albion.

No sooner had the ball nestled in the back of the net, Yates was away.

He sprinted the full length of the pitch, pumping his fists and letting out a great roar as he went until he came to a stop with a knee slide in front of the Forest supporters.

This season has been jam-packed with special, utterly incredible moments for Nuno Espirito Santo's side. That one was right up there with the best of them. For Yates to be the orchestrator of his team's destiny on the south coast tugged at the heartstrings.

The midfielder and Matz Sels were the last ones to leave the pitch by the end. The celebrations had continued long into the night - and were it not for the long journey home that awaited the travelling contingent, they might have gone on even longer.

Below is a look at some of the big talking points from the win.

Shoot-out specialists

The Reds' FA Cup campaign this year started with a fairly routine 2-0 victory over Luton Town. Yates opened the scoring that day to set his side on their way.

Rounds four and five (against Exeter City and Ipswich Town) then required spot-kicks to secure safe passage.

When the last-eight tie at the Amex Stadium finished 0-0 after extra-time, it meant another test from 12 yards for Nuno's men - and for the nerves of those watching on.