WREXHAM, Wales – Ryan Reynolds punched the air before turning to hug Rob McElhenney as the Hollywood stars took a big step closer to their dream of leading Welsh football 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 when former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster saved a penalty in the seventh minute of injury time to nudge a 3-2 Victory secured closest rivals Notts County on Monday.
“I don’t think I have a heart anymore,” Reynolds said afterwards. “I think I used up all the beats I had left in that match. It was unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.”
Wrexham, which received an A-list shine after the two actors bought it, moved three points clear of the top of the National League with a game in hand.
Elliot Lee’s strike in the 78th minute was the winning goal after both teams led throughout the game. But it was Foster’s save against Cedwyn Scott that secured the win and put English football’s fourth tier in sight.
“If I get my hands on Ben Foster, he’s going to be on the injured reserve list because I’m going to break my ribs,” Reynolds said. “I’m going to hug him so tight.”
It was billed as possibly the greatest 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 starring in a television series that streams worldwide. Both teams went into the game with 100 points each, with County leading the table on goal difference. Only one team is automatically promoted and Wrexham now lead the way after that crucial win. Wrexham have four games left in the season.
John Bostock put County ahead with a free-kick in the fourth minute of first-half added time.
Paul Mullin leveled the score in the 50th and Jacob Mendy put Wrexham ahead in the 69th while Reynolds and McElhenney looked on at the Racecourse Ground.
However, the home fans’ celebrations were cut short when Kyle Cameron equalized for the visitors in the 75th minute.
Lee scored three minutes later to put Wrexham on course for victory.
That was before Eoghan O’Connell was declared a sidekick in the box and County had a chance to level the score again from the penalty spot.
But Foster, who came out of retirement just last month to join Wrexham on a short-term contract, proved hero with his latest save.
“I think I’m used to working under extreme pressure, but I usually have some say,” Reynolds said. “I’m in control of it. I have nothing here. I can only watch and hope like everyone else.”
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