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      Goalkeeper on loan from Premier League side SCORES dramatic 99th-minute equaliser in FA Cup 2nd round clash

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      LEYTON Orient had on-loan Tottenham goalie Josh Keeley to thank for forcing extra time in their FA Cup second round match against Oldham Athletic.With the game deep in stoppage time, and the London side facing an unlikely exit to non-league opposition, they were awarded a free kick on the corner of the area.Josh Keeley of Leyton Orient rises high to head home in stoppage timeCredit: RexKeeley wheels off in celebration after saving his sideCredit: RexThe Irish shotstopper, 21, was cheered as he made his way into his opponents penalty box to come up for the opportunity.Amazingly, he managed to get his head onto the whipped in cross and glance into the bottom corner.There was a bedlam from the home crowd, as Keeley wheeled off to celebrate his miraculous strike.Orient were trailing to a Manny Monthe goal – and it appeared they were heading out of the cup.Read more football newsHowever, that all changed with Keeley’s brilliant header in the 99th minute, which meant another 30 minutes would be played.Incredibly, Orient would go on to win the game in dramatic fashion.Forward Dan Agyei netted the winner in the 121st minute, with the visitors awaiting a penalty shootout.But the win wouldn’t have been possible without Keeley’s goal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Republic of Ireland U21 international joined Orient on loan in August.He started his career at St Patrick’s Athletic, before moving to North London in 2022.Wolves keeper Jose Sa clashes with his own fansAlthough he is yet to appear in the first team, Keeley has starred in the Tottenham’s U21 side.Last season, Keeley enjoyed a loan spell at Barnet, where he appeared 21 times in all competitions.This season, the youngster has racked up nine appearances. More

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      EFL stadium left vandalised as shocking pictures emerge after ground hosted European clash

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      AN EFL stadium was left vandalised after hosting a European clash on Thursday.The Croud Meadow has been the home of League One outfit Shrewsbury Town since 2007.Shrewsbury Town’s stadium was vandalised after playing host to TNS’s Europa League Conference clashCredit: GettyFans from Swedish side Djurgarden covered their stand in graffiti while ripping up seatsCredit: Shrewsbury Town FCWelsh side The New Saints played at Shrewsbury’s ground as their own does not meet Uefa regulationsCredit: Shrewsbury Town FCSeating 9,875 fans at a time, it has also become a temporary base for Welsh side TNS (The New Saints).The Cymru Premier champs usually play at their Park Hall stadium in Oswestry.But it does not meet Uefa regulations, forcing them to host their Europa Conference League home fixtures at Croud Meadow.TNS’ latest continental clash saw them host Swedish side Djurgarden on Thursday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNearly 2,000 Scandinavian supporters turned up for the match, which their side won 1-0.However, Shrewsbury Town have since revealed that travelling fans vandalised Croud Meadow in disgraceful scenes.“Substantial damage” was caused to various parts of the ground, with over two dozen seats ripped out from the West Stand.Lighting, tables and chairs were also vandalised in both Smithy’s Bar and the Fanzone.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd various bits of graffiti also covered the three areas.Shrewsbury say they are now talking with Djurgarden to “repair the damage.”If I was a painter or a builder I might not be here and now I’m back in EFL after open heart surgery saved my life But it is unlikely to be sorted in time for Wednesday’s League One clash against Blackpool.A statement read: “Shrewsbury Town are angry and saddened to report the Croud Meadow has been left vandalised by Djurgarden supporters.“As a club, we took the decision to host TNS and their Europa Conference League matches in our home to boost tourism in the county and bring European football to Shropshire.“However, we have been left dismayed by supporters of Djurgarden after they caused widespread damage last night.“More than two dozen seats have been ripped out of the West Stand. There has also been substantial damage to lighting, tables and chairs in Smithy’s Bar and in the FanZone.“Alongside destroying property, Djurgarden fans also took it on themselves to cover all three areas in graffiti.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We have spoken to Djurgarden as we continue to assess the damage and are working with them to repair the damage – however this work may not be done in time for our next fixture against Blackpool on Wednesday“As a club we would like to stress this vandalism is nothing to do with TNS – with the damage clearly caused by Djurgarden supporters.” More

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      Former FA Cup finalist and Premier League star, 48, set for new career as KIT MAN at League One side

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      GOALSCORING legend Brett Ormerod is ready to start a new career as kit man at Bolton.Ormerod, 48, was a famed finisher for Blackpool, Southampton and Preston before packing in.Brett Ormerod is set for an unusual return to footballCredit: RexOrmerod played for Southampton in the 2003 FA Cup final against ArsenalCredit: AFPHe has been coaching and doing radio work.But now Ormerod is to answer an SOS from former team-mate Ian Evatt at the League One club.The pair played together in the Premier League for Ian Holloway’s Blackpool – with ex-Tangerines Stephen Crainey and Matt Gilks already at the club.As Blackpool players they spent one season in the top flight and were relegated on the final day.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOrmerod’s second spell at Blackpool ended in 2012 following one year back in the Championship.He went on to play for Rochdale, Wrexham, Padiham and Bamber Bridge, before he hung up his boots in 2016.His best goalscoring season came in his first stint in Blackpool in the 2000/01 season.He netted 27 times in 49 games to help Blackpool to promotion from Division Three – then the fourth tier.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey went up through the play-offs, with Ormerod then scoring 20 goals in the third-tier the following season.At Southampton, where he scored 19 times in 119 games, he reached the FA Cup final as Arsenal beat Saints 1-0 at the Millenium Stadium.If I was a painter or a builder I might not be here and now I’m back in EFL after open heart surgery saved my life Meanwhile, Bolton sit eighth in the third tier, outside the play-off places on goal difference.They are unbeaten in their last three games, following up wins over Fleetwood and Blackpool with a draw against Cambridge on Tuesday.Ormerod looks set to get back into the game as a kit manCredit: Getty More

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      Roy Keane spotted at FA Cup clash just days after ‘offering out fan in car park’ while working for Sky Sports

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      ROY KEANE was spotted watching Salford’s FA Cup clash with Cheltenham just days after “offering out” a fan.Manchester United legend was involved in a heated exchange with a fan at Portman Road after his old club’s 1-1 draw with IpswichRoy Keane was seen in the stands at Salford’s FA Cup clash with CheltenhamCredit: RexIt comes days after he was involved in a heated exchange with a fanCredit: RexSky bosses launched an investigation into the incident, speaking to Keane and others present including Kelly Cates, Jamie Redknapp and Izzy Christiansen.The results of the probe are not known.It’s reported that bosses at the broadcaster have sympathy with Keane following claims some fans “consistently overstepped the mark”.Regardless, Keane is expected to return to punditry duties tomorrow for Liverpool’s clash with Manchester City.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut before the crunch Premier League clash, Keane was spotted taking in some FA Cup football on Saturday afternoon.The 53-year-old was pictured in the stands at the Peninsula Stadium.He was seen wearing a big grey coat with a black zipper underneath.The game ended in a 2-0 win for Salford, with both goals coming in the first half.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFrancis Okoronkwo opened the scoring after 20 minutes.Cole Stockton then scored from the spot two minutes later to give the League Two side a cushion.Roy Keane reveals brutal two-word put down to rude selfie-hunter as Man Utd legend discusses fame with Ricky Gervais Salford are owned by the Red Devils’ legendary Class of 92, each of whom Keane played with during his time at Man Utd.Another altercation saw Keane headbutted by a fan at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in September last year.But there had been growing concerns about Keane’s future at the broadcaster BEFORE the incident after he revealed his desire to quit punditry.Keane, who is contracted to appear on around 20 Super Sundays per season, has also spoken about moving abroad to Switzerland.Speaking while in Turin on The Overlap On Tour, he said: “In the next couple of years, I reckon I will be moving abroad… putting it out there.”When Jamie Carragher then asked where he would move to, Keane added: “Do you know what, Switzerland, maybe? Switzerland is beautiful.”Keane cited the incident with the Arsenal fan in contributing to his desire to want to leave the role.Talking on Stick to Football, brought to you by SkyBet, he said: “I love football, but the hassle of matches, getting to games, and the hassle of fans.”I was in court a few months ago with somebody head-butting me – do you think I enjoy that side of it? Absolutely not.”The games are fine. Getting to the games, parking up, people shouting your name – good stuff, bad stuff – it’s a nuisance.”When Carragher pressed him on whether he will be a pundit in 10 years, Keane added: “Absolutely f***ing not.”But barring a late pull out, he will be returning to TV screens on Sunday for the Premier League clash.READ MORE SUN STORIESSky will NOT beef up their security measures following the Ipswich incident.Keane is set to be joined by Gary Neville, Carragher, Daniel Sturridge and Micah Richards for the huge clash.Roy Keane’s angriest momentsWhat really ticks off Roy Keane?The Irishman is known for his no-nonsense approach to football.And some particular things really do get on Keane’s wick.It all makes for great entertainment for fans, who love the Man United legend’s take on the beautiful game.But is Keane being a bit too sensitive himself?From smiling players to ABBA, nothing is sacred.And we all know about his dislike for a prawn sarnie…Here are the things that really make Roy Keane angry. More

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      West Ham 2-5 Arsenal LIVE RESULT: Gunners hold off Hammers fight back in thrilling derby to close gap on table-toppers

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      ARSENAL have held off West Ham’s fight back to beat their London rivals on the East side of the river.Gabriel, Leandro Trossard, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz had put the Gunners four up.But two quickfire goals from Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emerson gave the Hammers some hope.However, Bukayo Saka’s late first-half penalty calmed the Gunners’ nerves once more and ultimately earned the visitors all three pointsRESULT: West Ham 2-5 ArsenalFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…That’s all folksIt was game over at half time as five-star Arsenal ran riot in a quite brilliant first 45 minutes.They were 4-0 up at one stage with goals from Gabiel, Trossard, Odegaard and Havertz.West Ham scored two in two minutes to make it exciting with five minutes to go in the first period and the stadium was jumping.But that energy was quickly zapped when Bukayo Saka scored a penalty late in stoppage time to make it seven goals from nine shots on target in a quite brilliant half of football.The second half was a bit of a waste of time and non-contest as Mikel Arteta was afforded the chance to rest a few key players ahead of Man Utd in midweek.They can sit and watch Liverpool vs Man City with their feet up tomorrow….Copy linkCopiedMatch statsA look at the numbers behind that game as Arsenal dominated pretty much every area.West Ham closed the gap in some of those areas but it was all a little too late when the game was effectively over.Copy linkCopiedMatch reportArsenal’s Men In Black destroyed West Ham with dark arts, ruthless calm and flashes of deadly beauty.And Julen Lopetegui’s team must wish the Gunners also had the magic Neuralyzer gadget from the Will Smith films to wipe this Hammer house of horror show from their memory.But no-one who witnessed it will ever forget a half of football that made Hollywood’s best attempt to do football, Escape To Victory, look realistic.Only three times before has the Premier League come up with a script featuring seven goals in the opening 45 minutes.When the first four of them went to Arsenal, a significant number of home fans headed for the exits.Copy linkCopiedHow we standArsenal now up to second in the table and will be able to watch their title rivals with their feet up tomorrow.The Hammers stay in 14th.Copy linkCopiedFull time views of SunSport’s Jordan Davies at the London StadiumNot a bad message-sending sort of performance is it? Liverpool know they need to win tomorrow to maintain their nine-point gap.But away from the title race, the Gunners are well and truly back to their brilliant selves now after a woeful run of four Prem games without a win.Martin Odegaard is orchestrating and creating, set-piece routines are flowing and the goals are being shared around, despite continued calls for Mikel Arteta to sign a world class No.9.For the second time in a week, Arsenal have scored five with five different goalscorers. In the 5-1 trouncing of Sporting Lisbon it was Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard.And at the London Stadium, there were some similar faces in Gabriel, Trossard, Havertz, Saka and Odegaard.Copy linkCopiedFT! It’s all over the London Stadium as Arsenal move second in the Premier League table.West Ham 2-5 ArsenalCopy linkCopied90+3 – West Ham 2-5 ArsenalSoucek is shown a yellow card for a late challenge.Arsenal played on after the tackle and almost add a sixth.Copy linkCopied90+1 – West Ham 2-5 ArsenalSo close for West Ham who should have another one back!Danny Ings is allowed to get in behind as Saliba and Raya make a mess of it.Ings is forced wide when skipping by the keeper but drags his shot at an empty net from a tight angle wide.Copy linkCopied90 – West Ham 2-5 ArsenalFive minutes added timeCopy linkCopied89 – West Ham 2-5 ArsenalGabriel Jesus tries to trick his way through the West Ham defence but he’s brought down.Raheem Sterling sends a dipping free kick towards goal but it drifts just wide.Copy linkCopied85 – West Ham 2-5 ArsenalNot much happening here at all.Sterling just had an effort smashed into the side netting.The referee could probably call full time now and everyone would be happy.Copy linkCopied77 – West Ham 2-5 ArsenalAnd two more for West Ham, too.OFF: Paqueta & SolerON: Irving & RodriguezCopy linkCopied74 – West Ham 2-5 ArsenalDouble change for the GunnersOFF: Odegaard & SakaON: Jesus & SterlingCopy linkCopiedCurrent numbersThe stats back up what Jordan’s saying as West Ham struggle to get any sort of momentum going in the second period.More subs getting ready on the visitor’s bench too.Copy linkCopiedView from the London Stadium of SunSport’s Jordan DaviesArsenal are seeing this one out, and it could be a good chance for Mikel Arteta to rest key faces ahead of their home clash with Manchester United on Wednesday night.Gabriel has already been brought off at half-time with a suspected head injury, Riccardo Calafiori has been subbed to give Oleksandr Zinchenko some game time, while Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka have both been down receiving treatment in the last 10 minutes having been on the end of some frustrated West Ham tackles.Raheem Sterling is in desperate need of minutes, so would be a shock if he was not to make a cameo at some point, while Ethan Nwaneri would be a popular addition to the pitch.Copy linkCopied65 – West Ham 2-5 ArsenalDouble change for the hosts:OFF: Antonio & EmersonON: Ings & CoufalCopy linkCopied62 – West Ham 2-5 ArsenalSaka is back on.West Ham deal with a couple of back-to-back corners with relative ease.Copy linkCopied61 – West Ham 2-5 ArsenalJust a few yards from the byline, Saka is allowed to walk off to the side of the park and kill a bit more time.Saka limps off but I’d hazard a guess that he’ll be back on shortly.Copy linkCopied60 – West Ham 2-5 ArsenalBukayo Saka cuts in from the right and tries to hang one up at the back post which deflects for a corner.Saka has stayed down though. He’s caught the defender on his follow through and appears in pain as the physio makes his way on.Copy linkCopied59 – West Ham 2-5 ArsenalOdegaard has a go from 25 yards but he’s on the stretch when doing so.Comfortable enough save for Fabianski down to his right.Copy linkCopied56 – West Ham 2-5 ArsenalArsenal go their bench again. Anthony Taylor allows Calafiori to jog slowly from one side of the park to the other to go off.The inconsistency in that ruling is mind-boggling. Particularly as he’s apparently one of the league’s best.Looks like Calafiori might just be struggling as he slowly makes his way off.OFF: CalafioriON: Zinchenko Copy linkCopied55 – West Ham 2-5 ArsenalCorner comes to nothing.Copy linkCopiedCLOSE! 54 – West Ham 2-5 ArsenalReally good play from West Ham as they play through the middle of the park.Paqueta finds Antonio on the edge of the box and he uses good strength to turn and shoot low and it goes narrowly wide.Corner awarded though.Copy linkCopied52 – West Ham 2-5 ArsenalAll Arsenal at the start of the second half without creating too much.A couple of corners have been sent in but they’re lacking without Gabriel’s presence.West Ham’s first attack ends with a strike from Bowen from 25 yards going well over.Copy linkCopied46 – West Ham 2-5 ArsenalGabriel hasn’t returned for the second half. We wait to hear why.West HamOFF: SummervilleON: AlvarezArsenalOFF: GabrielON: KiwiorCopy linkCopied More

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      Wolves 2 Bournemouth 4: Kluivert makes Premier League history with hat-trick of penalties in feisty six-goal thriller

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      JUSTIN KLUIVERT scored an incredible first-ever hat-trick of penalties in a Premier League game – on what was a crazy day at Molineux.But the game turned ugly at half-time as Wolves’ Portuguese keeper Jose Sa was involved in an angry exchange with his own fans.Justin Kluivert scored the first-ever hat-trick of penalties in the Premier League eraCredit: GettyThe hat-trick handed Bournemouth a 4-2 win over blundering WolvesCredit: GettySa gave away two of Bournemouth’s penalties and looked shaky throughout.But as the first half came to an end, Sa ended up in the crowd as he confronted a supporter who had been given him stick from behind the goal.Stewards had to step in to stop the situation from escalating – but the fan was then thrown out of the ground to cheers from Wolves supporters.By the end, travelling Cherries fans were taunting their former manager Gary O’Neil with taunts of “Gary, Gary what’s the score” – and the remaining Wolves fans joined in!READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWorryingly for O’Neil, his own supporters sang “You’re getting sacked in the morning” as Wolves slid back into the bottom three.But the day belonged to Kluivert – on his 50th appearance for the Cherries.He is the first player in Premier League history to score a hat-trick of penalties in a single match – with teammate Evanilson also the first to win three spot-kicks in the same game in the competition.It is the first time it has happened in the top flight in 67 years – when Ken Barnes did it for Manchester City against Everton in 1957.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSO’Neil – who has been a vocal critic of VAR – will not have been happy with some of the decisions that went the way of his former team.But the game was also remarkable for having four goals in the opening 18 minutes.How Ruben Amorim will resurrect Marcus Rashford’s Man United career with subtle position changeIt took just 56 seconds for ref Peter Bankes to point to the spot when Evanilson was brought down by Toti – the decision stood after a VAR check.Kluivert cooly slotted home the spot kick – but Wolves levelled just four minutes later when Jorgen Strand Larsen glanced in a header from Jean Bellegarde’s cross.But Milos Kerkez’s deflected shot left Sa stranded as Bournemouth took the lead again.That was three goals in the opening eight minutes – something that last happened four years ago when Manchester United played Tottenham.Wolves had gone to Fulham last week with what was described as a makeshift defence – and won 4-1.But this time, O’Neil’s men were a shambles at the back – and Wolves fans were already starting to get restless.Bournemouth then won a farcical penalty as Sa went to clear the ball just as Evanilson stole the ball off him.Sa was already about to kick the ball but he brought down the Brazilian forward instead.Bankes waved play on, but VAR then stepped in to rule it was another penalty with Evanilson needing extensive treatment from his clash with Sa. Kluivert went the other way this time and Andoni Iraola’s men were in firmly in charge.But Wolves then had two penalty appeals of their own rejected as Matheus Cunha and Rodrigo Gomes went down in the area under challenges.Wolves looked stronger after the break and Larsen grabbed his second of the game to put them back in it.But then a weak back pass from sub Craig Dawson saw Sa rush out and clatter danger man Evanilson.It gave Kluivert the chance to complete a unique day from the spot and he repeated his first penalty with a cool finish. READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Wolves were booed off at the end on a day they will want to forget.O’Neil picked up eight points from his previous four games – but now he is back to square one. More

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      Crystal Palace 1 Newcastle 1: Munoz late goal sees points shared as Toon fail to muster a shot on target and lose Isak

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      DANIEL MUNOZ struck in stoppage-time to complete a classic villain-to-hero story at Selhurst Park.Munoz posted his entry for miss of the season after an awful waste from just six yard in the first half — and it got worse for Palace when Marc Guehi put past his owner keeper eight minutes after the break.Daniel Munoz celebrates his late equaliser at Selhurst ParkCredit: GettyDaniel Munoz’s late header saw Crystal Palace rescue a point against NewcastleCredit: ReutersThe right-back jumped high in the air to break Toon heartsCredit: ReutersNewcastle looked on course to win the match without having a shot on targetCredit: GettyMarc Guehi turned the ball into his own net after Anthony Gordon’s strikeCredit: ReutersBut the Colombian ace made amends for his earlier miss by planting a superb header past Nick Pope.It means Toon boss Eddie Howe was unable to mark turning 47 by taking all three points.He thought he had eight minutes after the break when Harvey Barnes drew a foul from Jefferson Lerma 25 yards out on the right, Lewis Hall’s short free-kick was worked right to Sandro Tonali who found Gordon sneaking around the back to the byline.His pass into the six-yard box was a peach and Guehi, trying to clear, ended up putting the ball past his own keeper for an unfortunate own goal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Toon boss was still smarting from the 2-0 loss at home to West Ham at St James’ Park on Monday night.And he was left feeling gutted again as Munoz struck at the death.Sandro Tonali returned to the Newcastle team, replacing Sean Longstaff, while Dan Burn was in for Lloyd Kelly after a one-game ban.Meanwhile Palace chief Oliver Glasner was hoping to end a three-game win-less streak.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe also made two switches to the team — with Eberechi Eze back after a month out with a hamstring injury and Lerma also coming in with Justin Devenny and Cheick Doucoure on the bench.It was a quiet start with Palace moving the ball around without any pressing.Visit the restaurant serving tasty food at affordable prices just steps away from historic Premier League groundJoe Willock had to receive treatment after picking up a muscular injury but got back on his feet to resume.However it took a brilliant last-ditch clearance from Fabian Schar to deny Newcastle what looked like a certain leveller with Eze set to pounce from close range after a lovely pass from Ismaila Sarr.Newcastle were dealt a blow when Alexander Isak came off worse in a 50-50 with Tyrick Mitchell and ended up hobbling off with a lot of discomfort in the Swiss star’s hip.Harvey Barnes was flung on as his replacement.A closely-fought game saw Palace have the better opportunitiesCredit: ReutersNewcastle lost Alexander Isak to injury and will be sweating over his fitnessCredit: GettyAnd Trevoh Chalobah tried his luck from 30 yards – with the fizzing effort just clearing the bar.Then Toon keeper Nick Pope stuck a leg out to keep out Sarr’s effort from point-blank range after a wonderful centre from Daniel Mumoz — although the assistant flagged offside.Munoz was guilty of winning what surely will be a nomination for miss of the season.As Palace countered following a Newcastle corner, Sarr played the perfect pass towards the back post for Munoz to shoot into an empty net from six yards. But incredibly he put his effort wide!Gordon was the architect behind Newcastle’s openerCredit: ReutersHis shot went in off Guehi, with the strike going down as an own-goalCredit: ReutersNewcastle finally forced Dean Henderson to make a save in the 40th minute when Barnes exchanged passes with Bruno Guimaraes before seeing his angled effort kept out by the Palace keeper.Newcastle moved in front against the run of play seven minutes after the break thanks to a training-ground creativity and a piece of luck.After Barnes drew a foul from Lerma 25 yards from goal on the right, Lewis Hall’s short free-kick was worked right to Tonali who found Gordon sneaking around the back to the byline.His pass into the six-yard box deflected off Guehi for an unfortunate own goal.Munoz made sure he had the final say with a 94th minute equaliserCredit: ReutersThe Colombian was delighted to make such a late impactCredit: ReutersBut Palace were denied from levelling.Sarr got one-on-one with Pope but the Toon keeper saved and Dan Burns’ shot on the follow up from an acute angle was kept out by Munoz.Lerma then saw an effort from the edge of the box deflected wide.Guehi, desperate to make amends for his error, could not quite keep his header down after meeting a cross.READ MORE SUN STORIESPope then managed to push a Sarr shot wide and from the resulting corner Guehi nodded the ball into the path of Jean-Philippe Mateta, whose shot on the turn flashed over.But their equaliser came in dramatic fashion as Munoz fired in a head in the fourth minute of stoppage time.Eddie Howe was hoping to bounce back from last week’s West Ham defeat with a winCredit: ReutersThe point could prove crucial for Oliver Glasner in the race against the dropCredit: Reuters More

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      Nottingham Forest 1 Ipswich 0: Chris Wood penalty the difference as Tricky Trees continue push for European places

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      CHRIS WOOD smashed home a second-half penalty to carve out his place in Forest folklore.The Kiwi striker’s old-fashioned thunderbolt from the spot left Arijanet Muric helpless as the striker drew level with Bryan Roy as Forest’s top Premier League scorer on 24 goals.Nottingham Forest returned to winning ways against IpswichCredit: AlamyChris Wood scored Forest’s winner from the penalty spotCredit: GettyJota Silva won the penalty for Forest in the second halfCredit: ReutersIpswich remain in the Premier League’s relegation zoneCredit: AlamyThat is a fabulous return for the much-travelled 32-year-old, who was seen by many as an uninspiring signing when he arrived from Newcastle for a bargain £15million.However, the veteran hitman has now scored 15 goals in 18 appearances for club and country this season.That is an astonishing return and there was never a hint of doubt in Forest fans’ minds that he would score when he was put on the spot.Ipswich matched Forest for the first 45 minutes but they faded badly as the game became bogged down after Wood’s winner.Read More on FootballYet it all started so promisingly.Morgan Gibbs-White flashed a header into the side-netting as he reacted first to get on the end of Elliot Anderson’s near-post corner.Forest continued to press when Callum Hudson-Odoi’s shot was blocked by Muric and Ryan Yates powered in a shot which Sammy Szmodics cleared for a corner.Yates’ effort looked to be hurtling wide but Szmodics wasn’t to know that and was right not to take any unnecessary risks.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Ipswich grew into the game and came closest to breaking the deadlock midway through a fiercely-contested first half.Leif Davis whipped in a corner and Cameron Burgess powered in a header which beat Matz Sels but Ola Aina was perfectly positioned to hack the ball off the line.Aina shows off his left foot declaring, ‘It’s still hot!!!’Forest responded and Jota Silva glanced a header wide before Gibbs-White failed to generate enough power, allowing Muric to safely smother his low shot.Ipswich were living up to their Tractor Boys image with a couple of agricultural challenges and Axel Tuanzebe collected an early booking for scything down Silva.And Dara O’Shead joined him for dissent before Gibbs-White became Forest’s first sinner when he was booked for fouling Sam Morsy.The game was being bogged down by far too many niggly fouls and both sides lacked a cutting edge.Ipswich proved the point when they passed up a golden chance to take the lead after 33 minutes.Nikola Milenkovic’s sloppy header landed at Liam Delap who set up Omari Hutchinson wide on the right.Fiery second halfHis low shot was beaten out by Sels but Delap’s untimely touch took the ball away from Conor Chaplin just as he seemed certain to score.But whatever Nuno Espirito Santo said at half-time clearly worked because Forest returned with a fire in their belly that Ipswich never matched.Within three minutes of the restart they won a penalty – even if it was on the soft side.Silva jinked his way into the box, Szmodics stuck out a lazy leg – as forwards often do – and the Forest ace took a tumble.Referee Tony Harrington gave himself time to ponder it, then pointed to the spot.VAR Matthew Donohue agreed with his call as Ipswich groaned at the way they had been sucker-punched by the little Portuguese star.Wood makes historyWood stepped up knowing history was in the making.And he didn’t disappoint with an old-fashioned rocket shot which threatened to rip the net as it exploded behind poor Muric.The Ipswich keeper then did brilliantly to keep his side in the game as Forest continued to fly forward.He somehow twisted his body in mid-air to claw Murillo’s header onto his crossbar.Wood charged in for the rebound and went down following a clash with O’Shea.But this time Harrington decided in Ipswich’s favour and VAR confirmed he was right as Wood had made first contact with O’Shea’s boot.Ipswich couldn’t respondYates then had a header brilliantly cleared off the line by Burgess as Town held on grimly.Wood then toppled in the box again but again Harrington decided he had initiated the contact with Jens Cajuste, who clearly nicked the ball.Ipswich had fallen completely out of the game and had managed only two touches in Forest’s box and no shots at goal.Sub Jack Clarke put that right with 20 minutes remaining but, like his team, his shot lacked a killer punch and Sels dealt with it with ease.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs the clock ticked down both managers made a flurry of substitutes to kill any momentum stone dead.And despite having seven minutes of stoppage time the Tractor Boys couldn’t get out of third gear! More