Matz Sels was Nottingham Forest's saviour on Monday night, saving a penalty to secure a shootout victory following a 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town in the FA Cup.

While the first half was unable to deliver any goals, there was certainly plenty of action to talk about as Nottingham Forest staged a blitz on the Ipswich defence, consistently probing and prodding as they searched for the opening goal, but the Tractor Boys were able to defend valiantly to keep the scores level at the break.

There was a clear shift from Ipswich in the opening stages of the second half, with a heightened emphasis on progressing the ball forward, and their changes paid off when George Hirst headed them into the lead, but their advantage did not last long, as Nottingham Forest struck level only 14 minutes later when Ryan Yates nodded home from close range.

Forest were in complete control following their equaliser, pinning Ipswich inside their own half as they pushed for a late winner, but the Tractor Boys narrowly survived as Yates was denied a second due to offside and Callum Hudson-Odoi struck the crossbar, and the scores ultimately remained stuck at 1-1 as the referee blew the final whistle, sending the match to extra-time.

Neither team were able to break the deadlock in the extra 30 minutes, sending the match to penalties, where a Sels save from Jack Taylor's penalty sent Nottingham Forest into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

Kieran McKenna once again displayed the managerial brilliance that has seen him guide Ipswich from League One to the Premiership, making a decisive change at half-time that transformed the Tractor Boys into a much more potent attacking force after a largely passive first-half performance.

However, as has been the problem for much of the season, a real lack of quality in the final moment often saw the Ipswich attacks come to a stumbling halt, allowing Forest to consistently win the ball back and spring attacks on Alex Palmer's goal.

That lack of distinction in the final third was surprisingly the same for Nottingham Forest, who had plenty of shots but failed to generate many meaningful chances, but they will not mind as they ultimately progressed to the next round.

Nuno Espirito Santo may not be overjoyed by the performance, but a victory not only sends them into the quarter-finals of the cup, but will also serve as a positive foundation for them to build on as they push for a top four finish in the Premier League.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST VS. IPSWICH HIGHLIGHTS

George Hirst goal vs. Nottingham Forest (54th min, Nottingham Forest 0-1 Ipswich)

Ipswich have taken the lead, completely against the run of play!

A deep corner is superbly delivered towards the back post by Ben Johnson, and Hirst has been able to lose his marker and earn himself a free header at goal.

The striker directs his header downwards, squeezing it through multiple Forest defenders and between Sels' legs to score from Ipswich's first real chance.

Ryan Yates goal vs. Ipswich (68th min, Nottingham Forest 1-1 Ipswich)

Forest are back level, Yates has headed them back into the tie!

A Nottingham Forest free kick is initially cleared by the Ipswich defence, but the hosts are able to reclaim the ball and work it back wide to Anthony Elanga.

Elanga quickly swings in a left-footed cross, catching the Ipswich defence off guard as they leave Yates unmarked in the box, and the midfielder makes no mistake, powering his header into the net.

Matz Sels penalty save vs. Ipswich (penalty shootout, Nottingham Forest 1-1 Ipswich)

Sels has saved from Taylor, who never looked particularly confident as he stepped up to the spot, and Nottingham Forest are through to the quarter-finals!

MAN OF THE MATCH - ANTHONY ELANGA

Elanga was a shining light for Nottingham Forest throughout his 105 minutes on the pitch, demonstrating relentless and tiresome effort as he aimed to create an opening for the hosts.

The winger did eventually succeed in that task, delivering a pinpoint cross to the head of Yates for the equalising goal, while he made another five key passes during the game.

Yates was also a standout performer for Forest, not only scoring the equaliser but also proving a formidable force in midfield, making two tackles and winning seven duels.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST VS. IPSWICH MATCH STATS

Possession: Nottingham Forest 54%-46% Ipswich
Shots: Nottingham Forest 22-11 Ipswich
Shots on target: Nottingham Forest 4-4 Ipswich
Corners: Nottingham Forest 11-2 Ipswich
Fouls: Nottingham Forest 13-9 Ipswich

WHAT NEXT?

Nottingham Forest will next matchup with Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup quarter-finals, but a Premier League clash with Manchester City on Saturday will be at the forefront of their minds.

Meanwhile, Ipswich's full attention will return to battling for their survival in the Premier League, starting with upcoming games against Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest in the next weeks.