Forest 2 Huddersfield 1: Surridge and Yates complete comeback to set up FA Cup quarter-final tie with Liverpool
Ryan Yates sent Nottingham Forest into the quarter-finals for the first time in 26 years – and set up a Liverpool reunion for his boss Steve Cooper.
Forest fought from a goal down to take the lead before half-time with goals from Sam Surridge – making his full debut – and Yates.
But for Cooper, he will now face the club where he spent two years as Academy manager, before leaving Anfield to become an FA youth coach.
Jurgen Klopp will now bring his Liverpool to the City Ground to take on a Forest team who have already claimed two Premier League Cup scalps this season in Arsenal and Leicester City.
Huddersfield saw their 18-match unbeaten run in all competitions come to an end – this was their first defeat since late November, and ended their hope of a first appearance in the last eight for 50 years.
Boss Carlos Corberan chose to make six changes for the tie with his side currently second in the Championship and aiming for a Premier League return.
Forest made a bright start and Surridge, who signed from Stoke City in January, went close early on.
He looked to have broken the deadlock after 11 minutes when he converted a Brennan Johnson cross, only to be ruled offside.
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Angry Surridge disputed the decision – but it was Huddersfield who opened the scoring two minutes later.
Danel Sinani’s corner was met by Tom Lees who powered his way into the Forest six yard box to score with a header – adding to the two he scored against Peterborough on Friday.
But Forest hit back in style.
Surridge equalised after 29 minutes – and this time it counted.
Yates created the opening and Surridge netted his first goal for Forest with a fierce shot into the top corner.
But the tie was wide open – and Huddersfield had a chance to regain the lead 11 minutes before half-time.
Pipa hit the post and Forest keeper Ethan Horvath saved as Sorba Thomas pounced on the rebound.
But Forest took the lead after 38 minutes when Yates rose to meet James Garner’s free-kick.
Huddersfield threatened an equaliser with 17 minutes left when Danny Ward’s free-kick from the edge of the area forced Horvath into a full-stretch save.
USA keeper Horvath kept his place even though Forest’s No1 keeper Brice Samba was back after suspension.
And he repeated the save, again from Ward, moments later from open play as Huddersfield posed more danger.
But Djed Spencer and Garner could have made it three late on.
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