Dean Henderson was the penalty shootout hero as Nottingham Forest overcame Wolves at the City Ground to reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1992.
Henderson turned away Ruben Neves’ spot-kick after Jose Sa had denied Sam Surridge, then turned away Joe Hodge’s effort following Forest converting all four of their remaining penalties.
Forest had led in normal time when former Wolves pair Morgan Gibbs-White and Willy Boly combined, with Gibbs-White hanging an excellent first-half corner into the six-yard box and Boly stabbing home from close range.
Wolves scored a superb equaliser when Matheus Cunha’s low cross invited the finish from striker Raul Jimenez.
The game ended with ugly scenes in the centre of the pitch, with stewards involved to pull the players apart as tempers frayed.
Boly doesn’t celebrate rare goal
It has become accepted that players do not celebrate goals against their former clubs, a tradition which Boly upheld despite his effort being his first for Forest.
It did seem a little bit strange.
After all, the Ivory Coast defender did actively request a move away from Molineux in the summer, having received a substantial offer from Forest.
In addition, scoring is a rare experience for the 31-year-old. He last found the net almost two years ago, in Wolves’ home defeat by West Brom. It was one of only six he scored in five seasons with the club.
Sadly for Boly, his evening ended early. Although he tried to continue after getting hurt in a clash with Hwang Hee-chan, he quickly signalled it was impossible.
A mounting injury list is one of the reasons Cooper has cited for Forest’s need to enter the transfer market this month.
And now Forest have two more games to play this month, that need is even more acute.
Not that such issues were bothering the home fans as they celebrated victory and a semi-final appearance to come in a competition legendary former boss Brian Clough won four times during his illustrious stint with the club.
