Wrexham AFC: Fans celebrate historic night at The Racecourse as club promoted to Football League

Wrexham have ended their 15-year exile from the Football League with a 3-1 win against Boreham Wood.

The Red Dragons have won the National League in one of the biggest moments in their 158-year history.

Two goals from star striker Paul Mullin ensured a titanic victory against Boreham Wood.


15 years to the day since they dropped out of the Football League, Wrexham have gone from exile to ecstasy. A 3-1 win against Boreham Wood secured a National League title and a long night for many in Wrexham.

Scroll down for reaction from the Hollywood owners, the Wrexham players, the manager and the wild scenes of celebration.

Match Reaction

ITV Wales reporter Rob Shelley managed to have a chat with Rob McElhenney after the game.

The two men who many Wrexham fans will say are responsible for their epic journey have shared their thoughts with BT Sport after the game.

Ryan Reynolds: "I am not sure I can process what happened tonight. I am still little speechless.[People ask] 'Why Wrexham?'. This is why Wrexham. This happening, right now, is why.

"This entire story, the reason we are all on edge of our seats is because Notts County are so damn good. They deserve to go up. We are rooting for Notts County. We want to see them go up."

Rob McElhenney: "Well I think we can hear what it feels to the town. It's a time of celebration and to be welcomed into their community and be welcomed to this, it is the honour of my life."

"I would like to say Paul Mullin is one of the greatest footballers in the world."

Here's the moment Wrexham clinched their National League title.

Goalkeeper Ben Foster: "This is my seventh game and it's like home already. Listen to the fans they are just bonkers. The lads don't feel any pressure, there's no big-timers in that dressing room."

After 15 years, it's back to the Football League for Wrexham.

A moment those fans and players will saviour for a long time, the players lift the trophy in front of their fans.

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson Credit: PA

Wrexham Manager Phil Parkinson: "Amazing feeling. It's emotional to be honest with you. What this team has been through to respond with the calmness we did I thought it was outstanding.

"From the owners to all the supporters who have followed this club for the past 15 years during some really hard times."


The Wrexham players are now making their way onto the pitch to lift the trophy.

This was the moment fans poured onto the Racecourse to celebrate their return to the football league.

Paul Mullin: "Fans have deserved this day. To come back from 1-0 is unbelievable. We stick together no matter what."

Fans have now started clearing off the pitch. For the thousands that were lucky enough to be in the stadium this evening, their Hollywood dream has come true.

Live match updates

The moment the final whistle blew, a sea of red flooded the pitch. Fans are now singing towards Rob and Ryan.

PITCH INVASION - It's a moment that will live long in the memory of Wrexham fans. Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are in tears as they celebrate their achievement.

FULL-TIME - THEY'VE DONE IT. WREXHAM ARE PROMOTED TO THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE.

89'- The whole stadium rises as Paul Mullin departs the field to rapturous applause. Game-changer.

The owners box has been a hive of activity during this game. Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are on the verge of doing something special.

Credit: PA

86' - The Dragons are doing a very good job of managing this game and taking the sting out of Boreham Wood's attack.

84'- As the rain comes down in north Wales, fans are cheering every marginal win from the Wrexham players.

81' - Wrexham are now 10 minutes away from a real-life Hollywood ending. Boreham Wood are trying their best to create something but the Dragons defence is standing firm.

76' - A Boreham Wood free-kick sends a reminder around the Racecourse that this game is not over yet.

73' - What a finish that was. The party atmosphere is in full effect. Wrexham are less than 20 minutes away from a National League title and their fans can feel it.

71' - GOAL. 3-1. WHO ELSE? Paul Mullin may just have scored the goal that takes Wrexham from exile to ecstasy.

That was Mullin's 44th goal in 49 games this season. Prolific.

65'- The visitors are trying to force their way back into this game but Wrexham are making it very hard for them.

62' - Boreham Wood have struggled to stamp any authority on this second-half.

56' - The Racecourse Ground is bouncing. A sensational finish by a man in sensational form. Paul Mullin's name is currently ringing around the stadium as Wrexham pile on the pressure.

52'- GOAL. 2-1. Wrexham take the lead with a stunning strike by leading goal-scorer Paul Mullin.

48'- Wrexham have started the second-half the better of the two teams as they look to get ahead.

HALF-TIME- It's worth noting that Notts County's win against Maidstone United today means Wrexham have to finish the next 45 minutes on top if they want to clinch promotion today.

Reynolds and McElhenney celebrating the moment Elliot Lee's header brought Wrexham back level with Boreham Wood. Credit: PA

HALF-TIME - As the half-time whistle blows at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham fans' nerves will be steadily increasing. They fell behind after 43 seconds in a shock start but managed to equalise with an Elliot Lee header.

42'- It's been an entertaining first-half so far and a real battle. After Wrexham dominated much of the half, Boreham Wood have slowly grown into the game.

33'- CLOSE. Boreham Wood come close once again after a far-post header narrowly misses Foster's goal.

31'- Paul Mullin shoots wide after an acrobatic attempt on goal. If anyone could score from there, it would be the Dragons striker.

28'- CLOSE. Boreham Wood come close with a great attempt by Zak Brunt. He fires it just over the Wrexham bar.

21'- Wrexham applying constant pressure on Boreham Wood as they dominate possession.

28 year-old Elliot Lee celebrates as he equalises for Wrexham. Credit: PA

16' - That goal has sent a shockwave through the Racecourse Ground as the Wrexham fans get behind their team.

15' - GOAL. 1-1. It took just over ten minutes but Wrexham are back in the game with an Elliot Lee header.

13 - Wrexham have settled down into the game now after a chaotic start.

1' - GOAL. A shock start for Wrexham as they go 1-0 down in the first minute.

Team News & the pre-match build up:

Phil Parkinson has named his starting eleven for the game against Boreham Wood. Veteran goalkeeper Ben Foster and star striker Paul Mullin are both in the team.

Wrexham starting XI: Foster, Barnett, O'Connell, Jones, O'Connor, Tozer, Mendy, Cannon, Lee, Mullin, Dalby

Boreham Wood starting XI: AshmoreIlesanmi, Evans, Payne, Ndlovu, Broadbent, Marsh, Esteves, Sousa, Brunt, Bush, Agbontohoma


Fans from near and far are showing their support for Wrexham as excitement builds ahead of the club's crunch promotion game.

Ryan Reynolds has been spotted and like many Wrexham fans around the world, has made his feelings clear.

The club tweeted earlier, asking where fans around the world will be watching - with some responding saying Australia, Dubai, New York, Sweden and Canada.

One fan tweeted the club saying "wishing you luck from New Zealand".

Another tweeted: "Just like to wish Wrexham all the luck in the world today. What Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have done by coming in and buying the club is amazing. They deserve all the success that comes their way".

Since the Hollywood owners took control of the club in 2020, multiple celebrities have visited the Racecourse Ground. Today's crucial game has drawn 'Ant-man' actor Paul Rudd.

Many fans have suggested that today is a day of destiny for Wrexham. One fan pointed to the date of 22 April as key in the club's history.

The Red Dragons are currently top of the table with just two games left to play, on 107 points, one ahead of Notts County.

Since Wrexham's Hollywood takeover two years ago, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have transformed the sprits of the team and city.

Reynolds and McElhenney made a list of pledges to fans, with three of those sticking in the mind - 'win,win,win'. 

Wrexham Lager tweeted this morning, saying "The pints of Wrexham are already pouring perfectly".

Gemma Owen, head of female football at Wrexham, tweeted wishing players and staff the best.

Phil Parkinson's side have won 33 of their 44 National League games since the takeover.

Remarkably, the side have picked up 107 points and there are still two fixtures remaining.