Steve Cooper sends 'special' message to Nottingham Forest fans after dramatic shootout victory

Head coach Steve Cooper saluted the City Ground crowd for helping to carry Nottingham Forest over the line in their play-offs semi-final.

The Reds booked their place at Wembley as they beat Sheffield United on penalties on a dramatic night on the banks of the Trent. And the victory came amid an electric atmosphere at the sold-out stadium.

Forest had gone into Tuesday night’s match 2-1 up from Saturday’s first leg at Bramall Lane, and they increased their aggregate advantage through Brennan Johnson in the 19th minute.

They were off the pace after the break, however, and the Blades produced a spirited comeback to draw the tie level.

Just when the players needed them most, Reds supporters got behind their team, roaring them on and upping the already-deafening noise levels. The two sides could not be separated in extra-time, but heroics from goalkeeper Brice Samba clinched a 3-2 victory for the hosts in the shootout.

“The fans were off the scale. They are amazing,” said Cooper.

“I say it every week, but it’s been a magical place to work on match days this season. But that was special.

“The noise. We go 2-1 down and they get louder and more supportive.

“This doesn’t happen everywhere. It doesn’t. We’re just so lucky to be part of it.”

Brennan Johnson, Cafu and Steve Cook scored from the spot for the Reds. And although Joe Lolley missed, Samba denied Ollie Norwood, Conor Hourihane and Morgan Gibbs-White.