Jermaine Jenas reacts as Nottingham Forest secure spot in Championship play-off final

Forest earned a penalty shootout win over Sheffield United in a dramatic evening in Lancashire.

The Reds squandered a 3-1 aggregate lead to head to extra time at 3-3, which led to penalties after 210 minutes of excruciatingly tense football.

The 39-year old came through the academy at the City Ground, where he went on to play 29 times for the club between 2001 and 2002.

The former midfielder highlighted the performance of goalkeeper Brice Samba, who earned his place in Forest folklore with his shot-stopping prowess throughout the night, and particularly in the shootout.

“I can’t believe it…Get in!!!!!!! @NFFC @samba_brice what a performance,” wrote Jenas, via his official Twitter account.

The 28-year made three saves to earn a 3-2 win on penalties on Tuesday night.

Samba’s heroics mean that Forest have earned the club’s first ever trip to the new Wembley Stadium.

The team will face Huddersfield Town, with the winner earning a place in next season’s Premier League.

The Reds have not been in the top flight since 1999, whereas the Terriers were recently relegated to the Championship in 2019.

The two sides will meet in London on May 29, with a kick-off time of 4.30pm.

It was a remarkable evening at the City Ground on Tuesday night, with a tense atmosphere displaying the best and worst of the emotions involved in the play-offs.

Both sides gave absolutely everything on a nervous occasion for either team.

Samba stepped up during the penalty shootout to make three impressive saves which proved the difference between the Blades and Forest.

Steve Cooper’s side will now have to re-focus and prepare for another huge game in just over a week’s time.

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