There was chance for more success in 1991 when Forest reached their only FA Cup final under Brian Clough and went ahead after scoring an early goal against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley, but ended up losing 2–1 in extra time after an own goal by Des Walker.[1] In Forest's team that day was young Irish midfielder Roy Keane, who had joined the club the previous summer.
Squad
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Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: The fourth round of games were mainly played over the weekend 26–27 January 1991, with replays being played on 29–30 January. Because Nottingham Forest did not finish their third-round tie until 28 January, their fourth round match was not played until 13 February with a replay on 18 February.
Note: The fifth set of games were mainly played over the weekend 16–18 February 1991, with replays being played on 20 February. Because Nottingham Forest did not win their fourth round tie until 18 February, their fifth round match was not played until 25 February with a replay on 4 March.
Stadium: Villa Park (N) Attendance: 40,041 Referee: Keith Hackett
Note: Nottingham Forest beat West Ham United 4–0 to reach their first FA Cup final for 32 years and give Brian Clough the chance of winning his first FA Cup to add to the two European Cups, one league title and four League Cups that he had already won with them.