Matz Sels saved Jack Taylor’s penalty in the shootout to send Nottingham Forest through to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, following a 1-1 draw after extra time against Ipswich at the City Ground.

Forest’s remarkable season continued as they moved a step closer to securing their first trophy since 1990, while Ipswich must now refocus on their battle to remain in the Premier League.

The first half was largely uneventful, with both sides struggling to produce any real quality and the goalkeepers remaining largely untroubled as the match remained goalless at the interval.

England manager Thomas Tuchel watched on from the stands but would have taken little encouragement from a drab opening 45 minutes. However, the second half provided a far more entertaining spectacle.

George Hirst’s third goal of the season put Ipswich on course for their first victory over a Premier League side this calendar year, but Ryan Yates’ equalising header forced the match into extra time.

Neither side could find a breakthrough in the additional 30 minutes, leading to a dramatic penalty shootout. Sels dived low to his left to deny Taylor, securing a 5-4 victory and setting up a quarter-final tie with Brighton.

The best chance of the first half fell to Ibrahim Sangaré, who glanced a header across the face of goal, only for the ball to bounce wide, much to Ipswich’s relief.

Anthony Elanga attempted to inject some much-needed energy into Forest’s lacklustre display early in the second half with a long-range effort that forced Alex Palmer into action.

Ipswich began to show greater attacking intent, sensing an opportunity against a Forest side that had yet to find their rhythm. Sam Morsy unleashed an audacious 35-yard strike that Sels managed to tip over the bar with the faintest of touches.

However, the visitors soon found their breakthrough from the ensuing corner. Ben Johnson’s inswinging delivery picked out an unmarked Hirst at the far post, and his header squirmed through Sels’ legs to give Ipswich the lead.

Forest managed to draw level without applying significant pressure on Ipswich’s vulnerable defence.

Substitute Elliot Anderson recycled possession out wide to Elanga, who whipped in a teasing cross for Yates to head home beyond Palmer.

Forest thought they had completed the turnaround with 15 minutes remaining when Yates found the net again, but his effort was ruled out for offside.

The hosts continued to press their relegation-threatened opponents, with Murillo’s 25-yard strike forcing a fine save from Palmer before Callum Hudson-Odoi rattled the crossbar from a similar distance. However, neither side did enough to prevent the match from heading to penalties.

With nine successful spot-kicks converted, Taylor was the unfortunate player to miss, as Sels guessed correctly to ensure Forest’s progression to the last eight.