Liverpool's first League Cup final remained unresolved after two hours at Wembley on 18 March 1978. Nottingham Forest held them to a 0–0 draw, with 18-year-old goalkeeper Chris Woods helping Brian Clough's side earn a replay at Old Trafford.

Woods was playing because Peter Shilton was cup-tied, having appeared for Stoke City earlier in the competition. Liverpool faced a teenage deputy, but could not find a way past him that counted. Terry McDermott had an effort disallowed, and neither side scored through the remainder of the final.

Bob Paisley had selected the same starting eleven that beat Benfica 4–1 at Anfield three days earlier. Kenny Dalglish and Steve Heighway started, with David Fairclough the substitute. Forest's side included Larry Lloyd and Ian Bowyer, alongside Kenny Burns, John Robertson and Tony Woodcock.

Forest replaced captain John McGovern with John O'Hare during the second half. With the game still goalless after 90 minutes, Liverpool brought Fairclough on for Ray Kennedy at the start of extra time. The change did not produce the breakthrough.

Woods's contribution was central to the outcome. A Forest history printed in the 1980 Vancouver Whitecaps match programme recorded his man-of-the-match award at Wembley. Phil Thompson, recalling the final and replay in 2024, likewise singled out the goalkeeper's saves across the two games.

The crowd of 100,000 saw the trophy remain unclaimed. Liverpool and Forest met again four days later, when John Robertson's penalty gave Forest a 1–0 victory at Old Trafford.

Liverpool's first attempt to win a League Cup final had therefore lasted beyond Wembley. Woods's clean sheet ensured the decision would come in Manchester.

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