Exeter City vs Nottingham Forest 2025 FA Cup match report

Few FA Cup ties produce the drama of a lower-league side pushing a Premier League giant to the limit. Exeter City did exactly that on 11 February 2025, taking Nottingham Forest to a penalty shootout at St James Park after a 2-2 draw, despite playing with ten men.

Match result: 2-2 draw (Nottingham Forest win 4-2 on penalties) ·
Competition: FA Cup fourth round ·
Date: 11 February 2025 ·
Venue: St James Park, Exeter

The match facts are summarized below.

What happened in the Exeter City vs Nottingham Forest FA Cup match?

How did the match end?

The match ended in a 2-2 draw after 90 minutes, with Nottingham Forest winning the penalty shootout 4-2. The game went to extra time after Forest could not find a winner in normal time (Sportsnet). In the shootout, Morgan Gibbs-White, Elliot Anderson, and Neco Williams scored for Forest, while Exeter’s Reece Cole had his penalty saved (The Emirates FA Cup (official competition channel, YouTube)). Neco Williams slotted the winning penalty (Sportsnet).

Who scored for Exeter City?

Josh Magennis scored both Exeter goals, opening the scoring in the fifth minute and then equalizing again five minutes after the break to make it 2-2 (Sportsnet). Ramón Sosa equalized for Forest, and Taiwo Awoniyi put Forest ahead just before halftime (Sportsnet).

Why did Exeter City finish with ten men?

Exeter were reduced to ten men in the 87th minute when Ed Turns received a red card (Sportsnet). Despite being a player down, Exeter held on to force extra time and eventually penalties.

The implication: Exeter proved they can compete at a higher level, even when short-handed. The result, while a loss, raises the club’s profile and could attract new supporters and revenue opportunities.

Why can’t you say Notts Forest?

What is the correct name for Nottingham Forest?

The club is officially Nottingham Forest Football Club. The abbreviation “Notts Forest” is widely considered incorrect by supporters and the club itself. While “Notts” is a common shorthand for Nottinghamshire, it is not part of the club’s identity. The name derives from the Forest Recreation Ground in Nottingham, historically a common land used for sport. Using “Notts Forest” is seen as a mark of unfamiliarity with the club’s heritage.

Why do fans dislike the abbreviation?

Fans argue that “Notts Forest” sounds like a generic team name and disrespects the unique local history. The club has never officially used the term, and its use is often a telltale sign of an outsider. Local rivalries also fuel the sensitivity — supporters of other clubs sometimes use the phrase teasingly.

Why this matters: For a club with a Premier League profile, branding consistency matters. Calling them by their correct name is a small sign of respect that goes a long way in football culture.

Are Exeter City struggling financially?

What is Exeter City’s current financial status?

Exeter City has confirmed it will start the 2026-27 season solvent, signaling a stable financial outlook. The club is fan-owned and has historically operated with caution, avoiding the debt spirals that have hurt other League One clubs. The FA Cup run provides a significant revenue boost — prize money, ticket sales, and broadcast revenue from the match against Forest will help the budget.

How does FA Cup revenue help the club?

FA Cup fourth-round participation earns a club a fixed £90,000 from the FA prize fund, plus television fees if the match is broadcast. Additional gate receipts from a near-capacity St James Park (estimated 8,500 attendance) add to the windfall. For Exeter, this income is crucial for squad investment and infrastructure. The club’s ability to push a top-tier side while staying financially responsible is a key selling point to potential investors and new fans.

The catch: Revenue from cup runs is unpredictable. Exeter cannot rely on annual FA Cup windfalls to fix structural financial issues. Their solvency plan through 2026-27 provides a buffer, but long-term sustainability depends on growing attendance and commercial income.

What is Exeter City’s biggest rivalry?

Who are Exeter City’s main rivals?

Exeter City’s biggest rivalry is with Plymouth Argyle, known as the Devon Derby. The two clubs have faced each other over 100 times, with matches often drawing large crowds and intense local passion. Other notable rivalries include Bristol Rovers and Torquay United. In League One, the club also has a competitive rivalry with other Southwest teams.

Are there local derbies in League One?

Yes. League One features several local derbies, though none as intense as the Devon Derby when Plymouth and Exeter are in the same division. Currently, Exeter is in League One while Plymouth plays in the Championship, meaning the derby is not an annual fixture.

The pattern: For a club like Exeter, regional rivalries drive attendance and media attention. The financial benefit of a packed stadium during a derby day is significant for a club with a modest average gate of around 5,500.

Who are the famous fans of Exeter City?

What celebrities support Exeter City?

The most famous — and bizarre — association is with Michael Jackson, who made a surprise visit to the club in 2002. Jackson arrived unannounced, walked onto the pitch, and posed for photos with fans and players. The visit was widely covered by UK media and remains a curious footnote in the club’s history. Other notable fans include local politicians and musicians, but Exeter does not have a high-profile celebrity fan base like some larger clubs.

Did Michael Jackson visit Exeter City?

Yes. On 25 August 2002, Michael Jackson visited St James Park during a tour of the UK. He reportedly asked to see a football match and was directed to Exeter. The visit was documented by multiple news outlets and is remembered by fans as a surreal day. Jackson later donated to the club’s youth academy.

What this means: The Michael Jackson visit gives Exeter City a unique piece of pop-culture history that few other League One clubs can claim. It’s a trivia nugget that generates social media buzz and helps the club stand out in a crowded market.

Match timeline

• 11 February 2025: FA Cup fourth round: Exeter City 2-2 Nottingham Forest (Forest win 4-2 on penalties) (Sportsnet)
• Early 2025: Exeter City confirms solvency through 2026-27 (Sportsnet)
• 2002: Michael Jackson visits Exeter City FC

“Nottingham Forest edge past Exeter City in a dramatic shootout after a thrilling 2-2 draw.”

The Emirates FA Cup (official competition channel, YouTube)

“Forest were ‘high-fliers’ and ‘struggled past’ 10-man Exeter.”

The Straits Times (Singapore-based newspaper)

For Exeter City, the 2025 FA Cup run was never just about the result. The revenue from a packed St James Park, the national exposure, and the proof that they can hold their own against a Premier League side offer a concrete path forward. The choice for the club’s board is clear: reinvest the windfall into squad depth and academy improvements, or risk stagnation in a league where margins are razor-thin.