PEOPLE
WREXHAM, Wales — Ryan Reynolds 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 rival Notts County on Monday.
“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.”
Wrexham, which has been given A-list sparkle after being bought by the two actors, moved three points clear at the top of the 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 the history of soccer at this level — and it didn't disappoint.
Wrexham has 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 leads the way after this crucial win. Wrexham has four games left to play in the 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 and Jacob Mendy put Wrexham ahead in the 69th as Reynolds and McElhenney watched on at the Racecourse Ground.
Celebrations from the home fans were cut short, however, when Kyle Cameron equalized for the visitors in the 75th.
Lee struck three minutes later to put Wrexham on course for victory.
That was before Eoghan O’Connell was adjudged to handle in the box 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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Hilary Swank and husband Philip Schneider have welcomed twins, the actor announced Sunday.
On Instagram, the “Alaska Daily” star shared a sweet photo of herself cradling her newborns while enjoying an ocean view at sunset.
“It wasn’t easy. But boy (and girl!) was it worth it,” she captioned the image. “Happy Easter! ... Posting from pure Heaven.”
Swank’s announcement comes several months after she revealed on “Good Morning America” that she and Schneider, a social venture entrepreneur, were expecting twins. At the time, the 48-year-old Oscar winner deemed her pregnancy a “blessing” and “a total miracle.”
“I’m so happy to share it with you and with America right now,” she said on “Good Morning America.” “This is something that I’ve been wanting for a long time. ... It’s so nice to be able to talk about it and share it.”
Over the weekend, several of Swank’s Hollywood peers congratulated her on social media. Among the thousands who commented on her latest Instagram post were Viola Davis, Mariska Hargitay, Sharon Stone, Kate Hudson, Misha Collins, Leslie Grace, Chelsea Handler, Debra Messing and Juliette Lewis.
“congrats beautiful [strong] mama and babes,” wrote Lewis, who starred opposite Swank in 2010’s “Conviction.”
“God bless honey This is the most extraordinary journey ever,” Stone commented, “so happy for you all.”
“So happy to see you turkeys soaking up the sea, the sun and the salt air!” Collins added. “Love you. Welcome to planet earth little ones. Hope you have a lovely stay here.”
From combined wire services
