Paul Rudd shared a pint with Wrexham fans before the big game
By Brendon Williams & Peter Gillibrand & Jack Grey
at the Racecourse
Hollywood star Paul Rudd arrived in Wrexham ahead of one of the biggest games in the club’s history.
The Ant-Man actor was drinking in the Turf Pub, near the Racecourse ground, before Saturday’s match.
The team kicked off against Boreham Wood at 18:30 BST, with only a win sealing promotion.
It would see an end to a 15-year stint in the fifth tier National League, and provide a glorious end to a season that has made Wrexham a global club.
At half-time, staff at Maesgwyn Hall, where many fans are watching the game, said they had sold 6,600 pints so far and are in need of many more kegs to make it to the end of the match.
Fans watching the game were nervous at half-time as it was all level at 1-1, which would not be enough to secure promotion tonight.
Phillipa Smith is watching the game with her daughter Madison, nine
Phillipa Smith said: “It’s okay but we could be doing a lot better. It’s been a bit scrappy from us in our defence. We could be doing a lot better… I am nervous, very nervous.”
Her daughter, nine-year-old Madison, said: “I’m nervous. They’re doing okay, not bad.”
Since the takeover by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, in 2021, the club has surged in popularity around the world.
Both are also at the ground for the match.
Rudd was seen chatting with fans, posing for pictures and singing songs ahead of the big game.
Image source, PA Media
Wrexham fans were shocked to see the Hollywood actor turn up to the pub – though maybe they are used to it by now?
Image source, PA Media
He was seen chatting with the locals – maybe discussing tactics?
Image source, PA Media
A few fans took the chance to grab a selfie
Mair Roberts, 81, and her brother William Griffiths, 83, have been coming to Wrexham games for 100 years between them.
Speaking before kick-off, William said he has been supporting Wrexham “for 60 odd years”, and asked how today compares to the last six decades, he replied: “It’s unbelievable isn’t it? The owners we’ve got are fantastic.”
Sister Mair has been coming for 40 years, and predicted a 3-1 Wrexham win. If they are promoted, she said she will be “dancing all night”.
Mair Roberts William Griffiths have been going to Wrexham games for a combined 100 years
Wrexham: Singing fans confident of promotion party
Following title rivals Notts County’s win against Maidstone earlier, only one point separates the two teams following a record-breaking season.
When the club’s faced earlier this month it was former Premier League goalkeeper’s Ben Foster’s last minute penalty save that sealed with the win for Wrexham.
Ben Foster met with fans outside the Racecourse ahead of the game
Image source, Getty Images
Co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are both at the Racecourse for the match
Nine-year-old Sonny, going to the game with his dad Doug, said he had never known a day as exciting as this one.
“I’m quite confident, bit nervous, but I think we’ll win… I’m just really excited, I’m buzzing with excitement,” he added.
Sonny said he’s confident in a 2-1 win for Wrexham
Only a win vs Boreham Wood will see Wrexham gaurantee promoted
Paris Trow, manager of Maesgwyn Hall in Wrexham, said the city had changed substantially over the last few years since the takeover.
“It’s just so much more busy, the amount of people coming… everyone’s talking about Wrexham. It’s just madness,” she added.
“It’s doing so much for the Welsh language, for Wales, Welsh culture, everything in general. It’s just absolutely brilliant.”
At hald time Maesgwyn said they’ve sold 6,600 pints so far and have had to go get kegs of beer before half time and still need more.
Paris Trow is manager of Maesgwyn Hall, Wrexham, which is open for fans to watch the game
