Penalty kings Forest reach FA Cup semis for first time in 34 years

Nottingham Forest reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 34 years as Belgian goalkeeper Matz Sels starred in a 4-3 penalty shoot-out win over Brighton on Saturday.

After the quarter-final clash at the Amex Stadium finished 0-0 following extra-time, Sels took centre-stage to send Forest to Wembley.

Sels saved spot-kicks from Jack Hinshelwood and Diego Gomez and, although Forest’s Neco Williams blazed over, Ryan Yates held his nerve to stroke home the winner.

Forest also needed shoot-outs to get past third-tier Exeter and top-flight strugglers Ipswich in the fourth and fifth rounds respectively this season.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are enjoying a remarkable season that could culminate in Champions League qualification and a first FA Cup final appearance since 1991.

“It was such a stressful moment. Matz saved us again. He’s been doing really well. It’s the third time and we’ve always been successful. Credit to him,” Nuno said.

“We are so happy. It’s a huge moment for all of us to share with our fans.

“We have to focus on the Premier League but it’s going to be a beautiful moment for all of us on our journey.”

Forest, who last won the FA Cup in 1959, have climbed to third in the Premier League, leaving them within touching distance of appearing in the Champions League for the first time since 1980-81.

They are five points clear of fourth-placed Chelsea and six ahead of fifth-placed Manchester City with nine games to go.

Brian Clough’s men were the last Forest team to make the FA Cup semi-finals, beating West Ham before losing the final to Tottenham.

Forest join Crystal Palace in the last four after the Eagles won 3-0 at Fulham in Saturday’s other quarter-final.

On Sunday, Manchester City travel to Bournemouth and Aston