David vs Goliath: Exeter out to create FA Cupset history

Exeter City are gearing up for a historic FA Cup fourth-round tie against Premier League giants Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night at a sold-out St James Park, with kick-off set for 8pm.

The match marks the first time the Grecians have reached this stage of the competition since 1981, and with the game set to be broadcast live on ITV, anticipation is at an all-time high.

Manager Gary Caldwell has emphasised the importance of preparation and belief ahead of the clash, “We are incredibly excited, but we still are a few days away from the game so the preparation really starts now. The emphasis is firmly on Forest and what we really need to do for this game.”

Despite facing top-flight opposition, Caldwell is determined to instil confidence in his players.

“We are playing against a Premier League team who will come here with confidence, who are quicker, who are stronger, but we have to come up with something and convince the players that there is something they can carry out that will win the game," he says.

“We need to give the players that belief in training and show them the footage and videos of what we need them to do, then we have to trust the players on Tuesday that they can go and carry that out.”

One player who has already made a significant impact in this cup run is Demetri Mitchell, who scored twice in the 3-1 third-round win over Oxford United. The winger is relishing the opportunity to test himself against top opposition, “It was a big moment for me beating Oxford, and it was a game we deserved to win, playing how we wanted to play with a proper team performance.”

With the club's 1981 quarter-final run still in the minds of Exeter fans, Mitchell is aware of the significance of this match:

“We know about the boys from 1981, and how important the cup run was to the club back then, and we know what it will mean if we can get through this time around. They got to the quarter-finals so we've got a bit of catching up to do, but we'll see what we can do!

“We believe we can do it, and when you come up against these better teams then you know you have to be positive and fearless and the pressure is off. We need to show what we can do and what we're capable of.

“When I'm playing against better players I want to give my all and show these players that I am just as good as you.”

Exeter will need to be at their very best against a Nottingham Forest side flying high in the Premier League, currently sitting third in the table. Forest come into the match in devastating form after a 7-0 demolition of Brighton & Hove Albion.

Despite the daunting task ahead, the magic of the FA Cup has produced plenty of upsets over the years, and Caldwell’s side will be hoping to add their name to that list.

Tomorrow’s game will be played in front of a packed crowd, with all tickets sold out well in advance. The club has confirmed there is no waiting list, but any available returns will be announced via the official website and social media.

With the atmosphere set to be electric, the club has encouraged fans to get behind the team.

This will be the first competitive meeting between Exeter City and Nottingham Forest in 73 years. The last time the two teams faced off in a competitive fixture was in April 1951, when Forest won 5-0 at St James Park. A more recent encounter came in 1979, when Forest visited for Nicky Jennings’ testimonial match.

With Plymouth Argyle stunning Liverpool in the FA Cup yesterday's match, Devon’s underdogs are proving they belong on the big stage - can Exeter City keep the cup magic alive and pull off their own giant-killing against Nottingham Forest?