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Neco Williams Makes It A Triple Welsh Bid For FA Cup Glory

Gareth JamesGareth James4 March 2025
Neco Williams Nottingham Forest - Credit Alamy

Neco Williams Nottingham Forest - Credit Alamy

Neco Williams has his eyes on Wembley after his team’s FA Cup victory over Ipswich Town, but he’s not the only Welshman.

Neco Williams has made it a trio of Welsh Premier League stars who have realistic hopes of lifting the FA this season.

Williams was in the Nottingham Forest team that advanced to the FA Cup quarter-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Ipswich Town at the City Ground. 

The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with Forest prevailing 5-4 in the shoot-out. 

It means Williams is set to figure in a quarter-final showdown away to Brighton on March 29.

Also still in the FA Cup hunt for silverware are Fulham’s currently injured star Harry Wilson and Bournemouth winger David Brooks.

Wilson’s Fulham - who dumped Manchester United out of the fifth round - will be at home to Crystal Palace in the last eight.

Bournemouth and Brooks - who are enjoying a remarkable season - will be at home to Manchester City.

Williams’ progress was in the balance on Monday night as the game against the Tractor Boys remained goalless in the first half, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. 

Ipswich took the lead eight minutes into the second half when George Hirst headed in from a Ben Johnson corner, marking his third goal of the season. 

Forest responded 15 minutes later, as captain Ryan Yates nodded home Anthony Elanga's precise cross to equalise. 

READ MORE: Wales Star Neco Williams Facing FA Action After Blast At Officials

Despite Forest's dominance, the match proceeded to extra time, which saw few significant opportunities. 

The contest was ultimately decided by penalties, where goalkeeper Matz Sels emerged as the hero by saving Jack Taylor's attempt, ensuring Forest's progression. 

Reflecting on the victory, manager Nuno Espírito Santo expressed his joy at the result, noting the importance of the FA Cup to the club. 

This triumph sets up a quarter-final clash against Brighton and Hove Albion, bringing Forest closer to their first FA Cup title since 1959. Their attention now shifts back to the Premier League, where they will host Manchester City on Saturday, aiming to secure Champions League qualification. 

Ipswich Town, currently third from bottom in the league, will now focus on their battle for survival. 

Despite the FA Cup exit, their performance showcased resilience, providing a platform to build upon in their upcoming fixtures.

Keeper Sels was the hero, saving Taylor's low effort as the hosts went through 5-4 on spot-kicks after Ryan Yates had cancelled out visiting striker George Hirst's opener to force extra time.

Watching England manager Thomas Tuchel - preparing for his first squad announcement next week before World Cup qualifiers with Albania and Latvia - may not have gleaned much from a dull game, which struggled to get going until the second half.

READ MORE: Harry Wilson Takes Wales Form To Blow Away Brentford . . . And Leave Fulham Boss With Plenty To Ponder

Taylor's miss was the only one in the shootout, with the midfielder having also missed a penalty when Ipswich were upset by League Two AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup in similar fashion back in August.

Forest also beat League One Exeter 4-2 in a shootout in the fourth round and victory continues their sensational season.

Their attention now turns to the Premier League and securing Champions League qualification. Nuno Espirito Santo's third-placed side host Manchester City on Saturday, with the reigning champions just a point behind in fourth spot, and a cluster of clubs chasing both of them.

"Every FA Cup draw we have to practice penalties," said Nuno. "We kept the same order as Exeter.

"We did really well, they were good penalties. I believe it makes part of the game preparations. It's dedication.

"It's not nice [to watch] at all, anxiety, nervous, a mixture of emotions. I try not to watch and just wait for the noise."

While playing in next season's Champions League is a dream, the FA Cup offers Forest a chance of a trophy and their first win in the competition since 1959.

They were marginally the better side as Ipswich, third bottom in the league, are now left to focus solely on their battle for survival.

With the last-eight draw providing a trip to Brighton, Kieran McKenna's side had hoped to add to their 1978 triumph despite their league woes, and claimed the opener at the City Ground.

READ MORE: David Brooks Gives Wales Perfect Start To 2025 With Brilliance For Bournemouth

The tie was brought to life eight minutes after the break when Sels tipped Sam Morsy's shot over and, from the resulting Ben Johnson corner, Hirst stooped to head in his third goal of the season.

It came in front of Scotland boss Steve Clarke with the uncapped forward eligible via his grandfather.

Ipswich's lead lasted just 15 minutes, though, as Yates levelled with a close-range header from Anthony Elanga's lovely cross.

The Forest skipper, who has spoken about his hopes for an England call-up, had a second disallowed for offside as his side poured forward.

Callum Hudson-Odoi hit the bar for the hosts, but extra time came and went with Sels' save decisive and sending Forest through.

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