Ryan Reynolds on Monday punched the air before turning to embrace Rob McElhenney as the Hollywood stars moved a big step closer to their dream of leading Welsh soccer team Wrexham to promotion.
The pair celebrated at the end of a game that had all the thrills of a big-screen blockbuster and the ultimate twist as former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster pulled off a penalty save in the seventh minute of stoppage-time to secure a 3-2 win against closest rivals Notts County.
“I don’t think I have a heart anymore,” Reynolds said afterward. “I think I used all the beats I had left during that match. That was unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.”
Photo: Reuters
Wrexham, who have been given A-list sparkle after being bought by the two actors, moved three points clear at the top of the fifth-tier National League with a game in hand.
Elliot Lee’s 78th-minute strike was the decisive goal after both teams had led during the match, but it was Foster’s save to deny Cedwyn Scott that secured victory and put the fourth tier of English soccer within sight.
“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.”
It had been billed as possibly the biggest game in history at this level — and it did not disappoint.
Wrexham have gained global recognition since being taken over by Reynolds and McElhenney, and featuring in a television series that streams worldwide.
Both teams went into the match on 100 points each, with County topping the table on goal-difference. Only one team is automatically promoted and Wrexham now lead the way after the crucial win. They have four games left to play this season.
John Bostock fired County ahead in the fourth minute of first-half stoppage-time with a free-kick.
Paul Mullin evened the score in the 50th minutes and Jacob Mendy put Wrexham ahead in the 69th as Reynolds and McElhenney watched on at the Racecourse Ground.
However, celebrations by the home fans were cut short when Kyle Cameron equalized for the visitors in the 75th minute, but Lee struck three minutes later to put Wrexham on course for victory.
That was before Eoghan O’Connell was adjudged to handle in the penalty area and County had the chance to level the score once again from the penalty spot, but 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.
“I’m used to working under extreme pressure I think, but usually I have some kind of say in it,” Reynolds said. “I have control over it. I have nothing here. All I can do is watch and hope like everybody else.”
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