From non-league minnows to Wales’ very own ‘Hollywood club’, Wrexham AFC have come a long way. And yesterday, they took a massive step towards climbing up the English Football pyramid.
Following their takeover by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElenney, The Dragons have been on a steady path of success.
They currently sit top of the table in the National League, with promotion to League Two looking increasingly likely.
Hot on their heels are Notts County, and yesterday, the two sides clashed for the all-important 3 points in what was likely the league title decider.
With everything at stake, Wrexham needed a hero to step up and, the ‘Cycling GK’ himself, Ben Foster duly obliged.
Ben Foster’s heroics take Wrexham 3 points clear at the top
Going into the game, both teams sat on a tally of 100 points, although Notts County had the edge on Goal Difference.
With so many factors lined up perfectly, the match was poised to be a blockbuster, and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
Notts County earned the lead near the end of a competitive first half, the opener came via a free-kick from John Bostock in the fourth minute of added time.
Despite conceding at the cusp of half-time, the Dragons’ morale remained unaffected, as they resumed the second half in a determined fashion.
And within 3 minutes, they had an equalizer.
Paul Mullin made things level and took his goal tally to 35 in the process.
Wrexham continued on the offensive and eventually, they pulled ahead in the 69th minute through Jacob Mendy, kicking off a frantic 15 minutes at Racecourse Ground.
Shortly after Mendy’s goal, Kyle Cameron squared the game for Notts County, briefly halting the party building inside the stadium.
But the celebrations soon resumed, as Wrexham gained the advantage once again, on this occasion through a goal by Elliot Lee.
A dramatic climax to the game followed as the visitors kept knocking on the door with the Dragons scrambling to repel them.
Another late twist was on the cards, as the ref called for a handball inside Wrexham’s box and awarded a final-minute penalty to Notts County.
Substitute Cedwyn Scott steps up to take it, only to be faced with the intimidating presence of Premier League veteran Ben Foster in goal.
The recently un-retired Goalkeeper and part-time vlogger has seen it all during his two-decade-long career. And needless to say, there’s not much that could faze him.
While players and fans inside the venue were all biting their nails in unison, Foster was cool as a cucumber.
The 40-year-old kept things uncomplicated, he initiated no mind games or offered any comments. And instead, he simply did his job superbly.
Foster instinctively dived to his right and parried away the pen, effectively becoming a Wrexham Hero.
For all his brilliance, you’ve got to feel for Scott, who had to step up against a Premier League veteran despite never having experienced top-flight Football.
Nevertheless, Foster’s Save remains iconic, and we simply cannot wait for what will certainly be an incredible vlog.
