FA Cup Fourth Round: Best for Last

Who knew we’d have two excellent ties midweek? While the Champions League match-up between Manchester City and Real Madrid grabbed headlines, there were some thrilling FA Cup matches that deserved attention. Let’s dive into the details, including a bit of commentary on the Fifth Round draws.

Doncaster Rovers 0 – 2 Crystal Palace

Despite my prediction of a 1-2 win for Crystal Palace, the match was far more competitive than expected. Doncaster Rovers, playing at Eco-Power Stadium, showed immense grit and resilience in the driving rain and on a rough pitch. They kept the Premier League side honest throughout, and if a few of their shots had been a few inches more accurate, we might have seen an upset or at least a level scoreline. Crystal Palace was too casual and sloppy at times, and Rovers capitalized on several counters. However, the quality and depth of Palace ultimately prevailed, and they secured a 2-0 victory.

Exeter City 2 (2) – 2 (4) Nottingham Forest (after penalty kicks)

My prediction of a 1-5 win for Nottingham Forest was way off the mark. This match was a rollercoaster of emotions and unexpected turns. Exeter City, the underdogs, took an early 1-0 lead in the 5th minute when goalkeeper Carlos Miguel bobbled a cross, allowing Josh Magennis to pounce. Forest rallied and went into halftime leading 2-1. Magennis scored again just after the restart, but the match took a dramatic turn when Ed Turns, making his debut for Exeter, was shown a straight red card for a dangerous high tackle on Morgan Gibbs-White, leading to a 13-minute delay for Taiwo Awoniyi to receive medical attention for a broken nose.

The final 10 minutes saw both sides desperately pressing for a winner. Exeter, down to 10 men, had two chances, while Forest had three, including a Jota Silva blast off the post in the 113th minute. The game then entered extra time, where it went completely bonkers. Both teams abandoned any semblance of midfield possession, leading to a manic 30 minutes with shots coming fast and furious from both sides. Both keepers were outstanding, the woodwork rattled, but neither team could break the deadlock.

Penalty Kicks: The Final Chapter

The penalty shootout was a thrilling finale. Exeter went first, with the pitch in a mess and the tension palpable. Josh Magennis set the tone with a brilliant goal, but Reece Cole missed his shot, which was saved by Sels. Angus MacDonald clattered his shot off the bar, while Tony Yogane scored beautifully into the upper left. Chris Wood and Morgan Gibbs-White both converted their penalties with ice-cold composure. Elliot Anderson and Neco Williams finished the shootout with calm and confident strikes, securing the win for Nottingham Forest.

Fair play to Exeter, whose goalkeeper Joseph Whitworth made nine saves to keep them in the game. Despite his efforts, Forest’s superior depth and quality ultimately prevailed. Nuno, Nottingham Forest’s manager, will likely have some harsh words for his team in the locker room, but he will also remind them of the upcoming challenge against Manchester City at the Etihad.

The Fifth Round Draw

The Fifth Round draw, which took place on Monday, has set up some intriguing matchups. Here are the fixtures:

Preston North End v Burnley: Two strong Championship sides face off in what promises to be a competitive clash.
Aston Villa v Cardiff City: This match will be a test of Villa’s form and Cardiff’s defensive resilience.
Crystal Palace v Millwall: A London derby that is always full of intensity and passion.
Manchester United v Fulham: A matchup that could see some high-scoring football, given the attacking prowess of both teams.
Newcastle United v Brighton, Hove & Albion: Two teams in excellent form, making this a must-watch.
Bournemouth v Wolverhampton: A match that could go either way, with both teams having shown flashes of brilliance and inconsistency.
Manchester City v Plymouth Argyle: A daunting challenge for Plymouth, but the magic of the Cup could lead to an upset.
Nottingham Forest v Ipswich Town: A match that will test Forest’s resolve after their dramatic Fourth Round win.