Wrexham A.F.C. earned praise from co-owner Ryan Reynolds after pushing Chelsea F.C. to extra time in a dramatic FA Cup fifth-round clash in Wales. Despite eventually losing 4-2 after extra time, the Welsh side produced a spirited performance against the Premier League outfit in front of Reynolds and fellow co-owner Rob McElhenney.
Ryan Reynolds Proud Despite Wrexham’s FA Cup Exit to Chelsea
After the match, Reynolds reflected on the club’s progress, posting on X (formerly Twitter): “Three years ago this week, we battled Maidenhead United to a draw. Today we pushed Chelsea to extra time. So incredibly proud of Wrexham’s performance today.”
Three years ago this week, we battled Maidenhead United to a draw. Today we pushed Chelsea to extra time. So incredibly proud of Wrexham’s performance today
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) March 7, 2026
The hosts surprised their top-flight opponents when Sam Smith slipped a shot in at the near post, taking advantage of Chelsea’s high defensive line. Chelsea responded before halftime when Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho forced an equalizer. His shot ricocheted off George Thomason, then onto goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo and into the net for an own goal.
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The second half brought more drama. Wrexham regained the lead when Josh Windass fired a half-volley that defender Callum Doyle flicked into the net. Their advantage lasted only four minutes before Chelsea’s Josh Acheampong drilled home the equalizer.
The game’s turning point arrived deep into stoppage time when Wrexham midfielder George Dobson was shown a red card after a VAR review by referee Peter Bankes for a high challenge on Garnacho. Reduced to ten men, Wrexham struggled to keep up with Chelsea’s intensity in extra time. Garnacho gave Chelsea the lead for the first time with a composed finish at the back post after a cross from Dário Essugo. Substitute João Pedro later sealed the victory on the counterattack against a tiring Wrexham side.
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Wrexham nearly created more drama when substitute Lewis Brunt thought he had scored an equaliser in the 114th minute, but VAR ruled for offside. Although Chelsea advanced to the quarter-finals, extending their unbeaten run against lower-league teams to 25 consecutive FA Cup matches, the match showcased Wrexham’s rapid rise. For Reynolds and fans, the performance highlighted the club’s fast progress under ambitious ownership.
Wrexham will next face Hull City in the Championship on March 10 in a crucial match that could strengthen their bid for a playoff spot
