WREXAM, Wales (AP) – Ryan Reynolds smacks the air before turning into Rob McElhenney’s embrace as the Hollywood stars take a big step closer to their dream of captaining Welsh soccer team Wrexham to upgrade.
The duo celebrated at the end of a match that saw all the action from a big screen and the final twist as former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster slotted home a penalty in the seventh minute of stoppage time to secure a 3-2 win against. Closest rival Notts County on Monday.
“I don’t think I have a heart anymore,” Reynolds said afterwards. “I think I used all the punches I had left during that match. This was unlike anything I had seen before.”
Wrexham, who have been given sparkle to the A-list. After being bought by the representatives, he moved three points clear of the National League lead with a game in hand.
Elliott Lee’s goal in the 78th minute was the deciding goal after both teams took the lead during the match. But it was Foster’s rescue of Sedwin Scott’s denial that secured victory and put the fourth tier of English football in sight.
“When I get my hands on Ben Foster he’ll be on the injured reserve list because I’m going to break ribs,” Reynolds said. “I will hug him tightly.”
It’s been described as possibly the biggest game in football history at this level – and it didn’t disappoint.
Wrexham has gained worldwide recognition since being acquired by Reynolds and McElhenney and has been featured in TV series streaming all over the world. Both teams entered the match on 100 points each, with County leading the standings on goal difference. Only one team gets promoted automatically and Wrexham are now leading the way after this crucial win. Wrexham have four matches left to play this season.
John Bostock put County ahead in the fourth minute of first half stoppage time with a free kick.
Paul Mullen equalized in the 50th minute and Jacob Mindy put Wrexham ahead in 69th as Reynolds and McElhinney watched on the track.
The home fans’ celebrations were halted, however, when Kyle Cameron equalized for the visitors in the 75th minute.
Lee scored three minutes later to put Wrexham on their way to victory.
That was before Eoghan O’Connell was adjudged to have handled the penalty area and County had the chance to level the scores again from the penalty spot.
But Foster, who only came out of retirement last month to join Wrexham on a short-term deal, proved the hero in his latest save.
“I’m used to working under a lot of pressure I guess, but I usually kind of have a say in that,” Reynolds said. “I have control over him. I have nothing here. All I can do is watch and hope like everyone else.”
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