Forest Make It Into 2nd Round Draw Of Carling Cup

Nottingham Forest claimed the local bragging rights last night, with a dramatic 1st round Carling Cup win over neighbours Notts County. The Reds’ eventually ran out 4-3 winners, but it needed a thrilling penalty shootout to separate the two teams.

The Magpies looked to have booked their place in the 2nd round after leading 3-2 in extra time, but that was until Wes Morgan bagged a superb last second equaliser in extra time, that took the game to penalties.

It was a lively encounter played in front of a not too shabby crowd of more than 21,000. Notts took the lead in the 16th minute with a goal from defender Mike Edwards. Forest bagged an equaliser after half an hour, with a brilliant strike from a Lewis McGugan free kick.

Robbie Findley put the Reds’ in front on 50 minutes and scored his first goal for the club in the process. Former Forest striker Craig Westcarr equalised for Notts and took the game into extra time, with a well taken effort on 76 minutes.

There was no let up in the entertainment as the game went into extra time. With Forest seemingly having the better chances in the game, it was the visitors who struck with what most fans thought would be the match winning goal from Notts striker Lee Hughes. He sent the visiting Magpies support into fantasy land with his well taken strike on 98 mins.

The Reds’ tried to find a way back, but despite their best efforts and a few decent chances, the goal wouldn’t come. However, with the clock in the 3rd and final minute of added time, up popped Wes Morgan to score the goal of his career with the last kick of the match. Morgan let loose with a great shot from just outside the box and gave keeper Nelson no chance. It flew into the top corner of the net to draw the Reds’ level, sending the game into penalties and a tense finish for both teams.

Forest won the resulting shoot out 4-3 and go into the hat for the 2nd round draw. It was an entertaining and hard fought game, in which both clubs and their supporters can feel proud of the way they performed.