January 07, (THEWILL) – It took mounting a second-half comeback for Nottingham Forest to notch a 2-2 draw with League One side Blackpool in the FA Cup third round on Sunday, temporarily avoiding a repeat of 2023’s early exit.
The English Premier League club went 2-0 down after 25 minutes_ following goals from Jordan Gabriel and Albie Morgan. However, Nicolas Dominguez and Morgan Gibbs-White struck either side of half-time to draw Forest level.
The hosts made a slow start and were made to pay when Gabriel headed Blackpool in front on 25 minutes after a poor clearance from Gonzalo Montiel. Morgan doubled the lead just three minutes later, stealing in unmarked at the back post to squeeze home CJ Hamilton’s cross. Shellshocked Forest responded on 39 minutes, Dominguez powering in a header from Montiel’s pinpoint cross. Gibbs-White then curled in an unstoppable equaliser on 56 minutes to make it 2-2.
Despite late chances for Ryan Yates and Callum Hudson-Odoi, Forest failed to find a winner. It means a replay will now be required to determine who progresses to the fourth round, scheduled to take place in the week starting January 15. Last January, Blackpool knocked Forest out of the competition with a 4-1 victory at Bloomfield Road.
Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo will be relieved at avoiding another early exit from the cup. Still, his side lacked sharpness early on and will need to start faster in the replay to avoid requiring another comeback. For League One high-flyers Blackpool, it represents a chance to have another crack at scalping top-flight opposition.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
