Gary Caldwell on ‘heroic’ Exeter after Nottingham Forest shootout

Exeter City’s FA Cup dream came to an agonising end in a dramatic Fourth Round tie against Nottingham Forest, but manager Gary Caldwell was full of praise for his side after a heroic effort pushed the Premier League outfit all the way to penalties.

In a frantic 120 minutes of football, Josh Magennis - more accustomed to leading the line - proved an unlikely defensive hero, scoring twice to bookend goals from Ramon Sosa and Taiwo Awoniyi. Ultimately, though, it was Forest who held their nerve from the spot to progress.

Reflecting on the night, Caldwell couldn’t hide his admiration for his players.

"It was a heroic effort. It feels like we were playing for about three days. With 11 men the game plan worked."

City’s disciplined approach initially frustrated their top-flight opponents, but Caldwell rued the manner of the goals conceded.

"We gave up possession to a team that want to play counter-attack and I thought we frustrated them. What disappointed me was their two goals as I thought they were soft, and I don't really think they carved us open."

Despite going down to ten men, City dug deep and even pushed for a winner in the closing stages.

"In the second half I thought we got even better. The sending off had a huge impact on the game, but the boys really dug in. Then in the last ten minutes of the game we really gambled. The finishers came on and neither of us really wanted extra-time.

"On another night, some of our chances might go in, but the players were outstanding. The mentality, the teamwork, and the looking after each other and protecting each other - that was all incredible."

Among those who epitomised the fighting spirit was Magennis, whose six FA Cup goals this season have made him an unlikely talisman.

"We’re gonna get an FA Cup badge and stick it on his strip on Saturday - he’s been phenomenal," Caldwell joked.

Despite the heartbreak, Caldwell remains convinced that his players can reach the levels they faced on the night.

"We have to continue, they really fought for each other, we have quality in this team. These players can get to that level."

Exeter may have bowed out, but they did so with heads held high.