'Not easy for Ipswich to take them' - Forest boss says fans helped them beat Town
Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo said the club's fans were a big part in them beating Ipswich Town in an FA Cup penalty shoot-out last night.
The game went to spot kicks after a 1-1 draw, with nine perfect penalties hitting the back of the net before Jack Taylor's effort was saved by home keeper Matz Sels.
And the Forest boss insisted the vocal fans at the City Ground helped his side in the shoot-out.
READ MORE: Stuart Watson's verdict on cup defeat
“We proceed in our journey together," he told Nottingham Live.
"The fans gave us a huge help today, making the noise during the penalty shootout. It is not easy for Ipswich to take them and retain their focus with this noise. We are delighted for them."
Ryan Yates consoles Jack Taylor after his penalty was saved (Image: PA) It was a second straight penalties win in the competition for Forest, who saw off Exeter in the same way in round four.
And the Forest boss insisted that their success proved that practice pays off.
"Every FA Cup draw we have to practice penalties," he explained. "We kept the same order as in the Exeter game.
“They did really well. They were good penalties. Well taken.
“I truly believe it makes part of the game preparation to take the time to prepare for penalties.
"At the same time, the goalkeeper practices and practices and tries to get as much info as he can, alongside the goalkeeper coach. It’s worth the dedication.”
Matz Sels celebrates saving Taylor's penalty to win the game (Image: PA)READ MORE: Alex Jones' Town player ratings
Asked what he said to his players before the start of extra-time, he revealed: "Try to win the game. In terms of the game, both teams were really organised in the first half and it was flat.
“We started the second half really good. With all my respects, the goal goes against the flow of the game. We were in control, we were creating and were dominant.
"We conceded from a set-piece but the reaction was really positive. From thereon, in our minds we were trying to solve the game.
"Because we could see we were in control, being dominant and creating chances, the main message was to try to go for the game.”
Town will have the change to avenge their defeat when Forest visit Suffolk for a Premier League clash a week on Saturday (March 15) in a 3pm kick-off.
