Charlie Wellings saves the day as Forest secure the win

Image: Nottingham Forest celebrating their late goal Credit:@NFFCWomen on X

By Aimee Reynolds (08/01/2025)

Nottingham Forest 1-0 Burnley

A game many fans have been waiting for commenced in a freezing cold City Ground as Carly Davies' Nottingham Forest side secured their place in the Fourth round of the FA Cup all thanks to Charlie Wellings and her strike.

The game began extremely tight between the sides, as we witnessed multiple attacks from both Burnley and Nottingham Forest. Both sides put on a strong performance throughout but it all ended in The Reds' favour.

Even though The Claret and Blue fought until the very end, Nottingham Forest had the edge. Other than goal scorer Wellings, a standout player from this performance was Millie Chandarana. Her abilities on the ball were dangerous throughout; whether this was her having a chance on goal or assisting teammates opportunities against Kirstie Levell.

Even though Forest took the win, Burnley was well built throughout the game. Their defence denied multiple chances from the home team as well as their attack being powerful when they got the chances. Rebecca Sawiuk's side was unlucky, after a brilliant run in the FA Cup, it just wasn't meant to be tonight.

This fixture is known for being competitive; two of the best sides in the Northern Premier Division up against each other in the FA Cup. This game was predicted to be a physical one. This showed throughout between the two sides, as we saw many players go down and multiple receive warnings.

Image: Charlie Wellings celebrating her FA Cup winning goal, Credit: @NFFCWomen on X

As Forest attacked again, late into the first half of extra time, super sub Bridget Galloway hit the post as she took her chance to make the game 1-0. However, it all came down to the magic of the FA Cup and the rebound fell straight to Wellings' feet as she fired it past the Burnley keeper.

Nottingham Forest will now travel up north to face Newcastle in the fourth round. The fixture will kick off at 1 pm at Kingston Park.

Teams:

Nottingham Forest: Emily Batty (GK), Lyndsey Harkin (C), Kate Longhurst, Amy Sims, Melissa Johnson, Charlie Wellings, Hollie Olding, Mollie Green, Freya Thomas, Millie Chandarana, Katie Dungate

Burnley: Kirstie Levell (GK), Emma Siddall, Georgia Marshall, Heidi Logan, Claudia Walker, Grace Palmer, Rhema Lord-Mears, Amelia Hazard(C), Naomi Hartley, Tilly Wilkes, Aimee Kelly