Victory at Leeds fuels ZDS Cup run
On this day in Nottingham Forest history in 1991 Forest beat Leeds United 3–1 at Elland Road in the Zenith Data Systems Cup.
Forest’s route to another Wembley day included a strong 3–1 win away to Leeds United in the Zenith Data Systems Cup.
The competition did not carry the weight of the FA Cup or League Cup, but Brian Clough’s Forest had a habit of treating domestic cup football seriously. A trip to Elland Road still demanded a proper performance, especially against a Leeds side who were becoming one of the strongest teams in the country.
Garry Crosby scored for Forest, and Teddy Sheringham added two more. The 3–1 scoreline gave the night a clear shape: Forest had gone away from home, scored three times and moved on in a cup they would come to own that season.
The result became more meaningful because of what followed. Forest kept progressing through the competition and eventually reached Wembley, where they beat Southampton 3–2 in the final.
For supporters, the Leeds win belongs to that familiar Clough-era pattern: a cup run built through awkward midweek ties, strong away results and enough attacking quality to make Wembley feel within reach again.
Sources
Nottingham Forest official site; The City Ground; Steve’s Football Stats
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