Nottingham Forest fans were ecstatic after their side booked their place in the Championship play-off final with a nerve-shredding penalty shootout victory over Sheffield United at the City Ground. The Reds lost 2-1 to Sheffield United after extra time on Tuesday night, May 17, meaning the 3-3 aggregate score sent the clash to spot-kicks to secure a place at Wembley.
Brennan Johnson had opened the scoring for the Reds on Tuesday evening before Morgan Gibbs-White and John Fleck netted for the visitors to set up a nervy finish. Forest had led 2-1 from the first leg at Bramall Lane.
Forest will next play Huddersfield at Wembley on May 29 for a place in the Premier League. It was a real night to remember at the City Ground - and in pubs and homes around Nottingham - as supporters enjoyed the nail-biting victory.
Read more: Live Nottingham Forest updates as city sees Reds win
Colin Harrison, 77, from West Bridgford, said: "When that first goal went in it was pure relief! This team is absolutely fantastic. Four of the players we have, at least, belong at the top of the Premier League. It was an unbelievable performance. I think everyone thinks they are the most exciting team in the division but I really think we are."
His twin brother Keith Harrison, also 77, said: "You can see that Cloughie and Steve Cooper have the same philosophy - Brennan Johnson and John Robertson are encouraged to play in the exact same way. Nobody imagined at the start of the season that we would be where we are now."
Dave Nicholls, 58, from the Meadows, added: "It was so nervy, especially in the first 20 to 25 minutes. When that goal went in it was just pure relief more than anything! I’ve been a Forest fan since I was three years old and to see them playing like this is really special."
Before the game, fans lined the streets and made their voices heard, soaking up the sunshine as they prepared for kick-off at the City Ground. After the final whistle, fans spilled out of the City Ground and were dreaming of a day out at Wembley against Huddersfield Town on Sunday, May 29 for a chance to play in the Premier League next season.
Lifelong fan David Crouch, 83, of Bingham had said before the game said this team has brought back so many good memories from the past. "I’ve had the same seat for 45 years," he said. "It’s comparable to the European glory nights, it’s like history repeating its self in terms of the fans and happiness at the City Ground.”
Police had urged fans to behave themselves ahead of the game and not to "spoil it for others" and there was a heavy police presence outside of the ground as well as in Nottingham city centre making sure fans got to the ground sensibly.
