April 11 – Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney celebrated in the stands as Wrexham, the club they took over in 2020, moved closer to promotion in dramatic fashion on Monday.
The Welsh club have shot to international box office fame through the documentary television series ‘Welcome to Wrexham’, which charts the fortunes of the team since the sale to Reynolds and McElhenney.
Wrexham have played in the fifth-tier National League for the last 15 years but are on the verge of a return to the professional ranks in League Two of English football.
Just before facing Wrexham’s closest rivals Notts County in front of a full house, the famed Hollywood duo received the freedom of the borough at a civic ceremony.
They then witnessed a remarkable and potentially decisive 3-2 win that had all the hallmarks of Hollywood movie as former England goalkeeper Ben Foster saved a stoppage-time penalty for the hosts.
It was billed as possibly the biggest game in the history non-league football in the UK – and it didn’t disappoint.
“I don’t think I have a heart anymore,” Reynolds said after Wrexham moved three points clear at the top of National League with a game in hand over County.
“I think I used all the beats I had left during that match. That was unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.”
Foster, who only stepped out of retirement last month to join Wrexham on a short-term deal, proved the hero with his last-gasp save.
“When I get my hands on Ben Foster he’s going to be on the injured reserve list because I’m going to break ribs,” Reynolds said. “I’m going to hug him so hard.”
“I’m used to working under extreme pressure I think, but usually I have some kind of say in it. I have control over it. I have nothing here. All I can do is watch and hope like everybody else.”
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1681806686labto1681806686ofdlr1681806686owedi1681806686sni@w1681806686ahsra1681806686w.wer1681806686dna1681806686