Wrexham’s task on Saturday was as straight-forward as it gets. If the club defeated Boreham Wood at home at the Racecourse Ground, they would become National League champions and earn promotion to the EFL League 2.
The stage was set for a big Wrexham day. Then the Red Dragons conceded 42 seconds into the game.
BOREHAM SCORE IN 1ST MINUTE Lee Ndlovu with a well weighted chip over Ben Foster to give the visitors the lead over Wrexham after just 42 seconds.pic.twitter.com/zktLTgPgV8
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) April 22, 2023
The “Welcome to Wrexham” script was unfolding before our eyes and the season finale was turning out to be electric. Wrexham weren’t going to let the early goal dampen their spirits and responded with an Elliot Lee equalizer in the 15th minute.
WREXHAM GO LEVEL Elliot Lee heads home the equalizer to make it 1-1. Scriptwriters were just toying with us? pic.twitter.com/bAVVH2MRrs
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) April 22, 2023
Game on.
The first half would finish tied at 1-1 with all to play for.
With Notts County winning earlier on Saturday only a victory would ensure Wrexham finishing top of the standings and earning automatic promotion to League 2.
The story that so many fans across the world have been following needed a hero. Who could step up in the second half and save the day for the Red Dragons?
Queue super Paul Mullin.
Mullin had scored 44 goals this season, but perhaps his two biggest came in the second half against Boreham Wood.
The 28-year-old netted a beauty in the 52nd minute to give Wrexham the lead for the first time in the game.
MULLIN GIVES WREXHAM THE LEAD Cutting in from the left, Paul Mullin—it had to be him—hits it with his right from an impossible angle to give Wrexham a 2-1 lead. Non-league Arjen Robben.
Welsh club earn promotion with a win today. pic.twitter.com/2li85YChjI— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) April 22, 2023
What a strike. He repeated his magic in the 71st minute to ensure Wrexham’s place in the professional leagues for the first time in 15 years.
PAUL MULLIN AGAIN! ⚽️⚽️ Another ferocious hit, this time with his left across goal. 28yo seems fueled by crackling energy in packed Racecourse Ground. Wrexham now minutes from winning National League title and returning to English Football League.pic.twitter.com/PgF3BmJ1AS
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) April 22, 2023
Here was the moment the final whistle blew and the Wrexham faithful stormed the field.
Wrexham promotion celebrations
All that’s good about sports: Wrexham return to big leagues after 15 long years of toil. Reynolds and McElhenney have shone Hollywood’s spotlight on the proud town in such a thoughtful, joyous and humble way, making collective memories for generations pic.twitter.com/HCP4GrxkmA
— roger bennett (@rogbennett) April 22, 2023
@VancityReynolds and @RMcElhenney in tears watching their @Wrexham_AFC seal promotion pic.twitter.com/xZ7fCbfaRh
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 22, 2023
THAT'S IT!
WREXHAM ARE CHAMPIONS!WE'RE BACK IN THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE AFTER 15 LONG YEARS!
THIS IS FOR THE DIEHARDS, THE NEW FANS, THOSE FANS NO LONGER WITH US.
THIS IS FOR THE TOWN, FOR NORTH WALES, FOR THE LOVE OF A CLUB THAT REFUSED TO GIVE UP! #WxmAFC pic.twitter.com/dmGlsJ7Auk
— Fearless In Devotion - Wrexham AFC pod & fanzine (@fearlessidzine) April 22, 2023
Owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney got their fairy tale ending to the season.
Congratulations to the mighty Wrexham and good luck with the big boys in League 2 next campaign.
