John Egan breaks Wrexham hearts and denies Ryan Reynolds a Hollywood ending

Patrick McCarry

You could not have scripted it…

John Egan proved the late villain for Wrexham but a hero to Sheffield United supporters at the end of a pulsating FA Cup clash in Wales.

Non-league Wrexham, who are co-owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, gave Championship side Sheffield United one hell of a fright but were left settling for a replay after a 3-3 draw.

The involvement of McElhenney and Reynolds, who was in attendance at the Racecourse Ground, has provided an upsurge in interest in the Welsh side. A documentary following the club’s exploits has gone down extremely well and, going off this game alone, the following season should be even juicier.

Ahead of the game, Reynolds was interviewed by Gary Lineker and he got in a quick jab at United, saying:

“I’m going to go on the record right now and say that there is a chance – albeit a very slim chance – that Sheffield United pulls off a miracle today!”

Such bold, jousting words looked premature as Sheffield United quickly raced into a 1-0 lead that they took into the second half. Goals from James Jones and Tom O’Connor then put Wrexham ahead before Oli McBurnie levelled matters. Two Irish players, on opposite teams, them provided more drama.

Ryan Reynolds the co chairman of Wrexham reacts after Sheffield United scored a last minute equaliser. (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)

John Egan crowns the last act

Kilkenny native Paul Mullin looked to be the Wrexham hero as he pounced in the 86th minute to put the non-league side 3-2 ahead.

The situation was looking bleak for the Blades, who had Daniel Jebbison sent off in the second half, but they rallied late to force a corner kick. Off a breaking ball, John Egan was there to slot home the equaliser. As he wheeled off, the Ireland international had a message for the quietened home support, and for Reynolds:

Forcing a replay. 👊@SheffieldUnited didn't give up!pic.twitter.com/JS1zpLqqSS

— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) January 29, 2023

Interviewed by the BBC, after the game, Paul Mullin said, “Very disappointed. To concede from one of the last kicks of the game from a set-play is gutting…

“I’m so proud of everyone. We’ve worked so hard to get here. We came into the game thinking we could win and we had a gameplan. Unfortunately it hasn’t quite paid off but I think when the dust settles tomorrow we’ll be proud of it.”