-Credit:Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images
Ryan Reynolds has sung the praises of Wrexham star Paul Mullin following his stunning strike against Blackpool.
The striker has endured a difficult start to the season after undergoing back surgery during the summer, with just two goals to his name in League One.
However, the 30-year-old provided a timely reminder of his abilities on Boxing Day with a fantastic first-half effort at the Racecourse, which many fans have already described as a shoe-in for goal of the season.
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Blackpool took an early lead in the game through Ashley Fletcher, before Wrexham’s Ollie Palmer nodded a flick-on into Mullin’s path in the 24th minute.
The marksman then unleashed a fierce left-footed volley to level the scores which left Tangerines’ keeper Harry Tyrer stranded.
Phil Parkinson’s side secured all three points after a late penalty was converted by veteran forward Steven Fletcher, much to the delight of club co-owner Reynolds.
The Hollywood A-lister held out particular praise for Mullin’s equaliser after the match.
Sharing footage of the goal on Instagram, Reynolds said: “This one. So pretty…”
The feedback was warmly received by Mullin, who replied: “Merry Christmas with love” followed by a kiss-blowing emoji.
Reynolds and Mullin have struck up a close friendship since the striker signed for Wrexham in the summer of 2021.
Mullin has scored more than 100 times for the Red Dragons and made a surprise cameo in this year’s Deadpool & Wolverine movie.
Ryan Reynolds on set with Paul Mullin
Wrexham’s win over Blackpool saw them remain third in League One, maintaining their charge for an astonishing third successive promotion under Reynolds and co-owner Rob McElhenney.
Speaking after the game, the club’s assistant manager Steve Parkin has backed Mullin to grab more goals in the second half of the season.
He said: “He’s got that finish in him, left foot or right foot from distance. He’s got a violent strike.
“I’m delighted for him and the crowd that he’s managed to smash one in, which is good.
“Now he’s just got to keep his head down, work hard and I’m sure more will come.”
Commenting on the overall team performance, he added: “For us to get the late goal today was really important and they way the lads played second half was probably justified.
“I think first half we didn’t quite have the edge that we wanted in the game and sometimes you have to give the opposition credit.
“They got an early goal which was disappointing from our point of view but they’re a good side away from home and they’ve had some really good results.
“The message at half-time was to have a whole-hearted Wrexham performance. Let’s lock attacks in and be on the front foot…it was great.”