John Bostock scored his first goal in nearly seven years on Monday afternoon... but it wasn't enough to stop Wrexham's Hollywood comeback.
The Welsh club, who are owned by American actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, recovered from a goal down to beat promotion rivals Notts County 3-2. There was a dramatic conclusion at the Racecourse, as Ben Foster saved a last-minute penalty.
The result leaves Wrexham three points clear of Notts County at the top of the National League with a game in hand. Although he was on the losing side, former Premier League star Bostock thought he was going to be the hero after scoring a stunning free kick.
The former Tottenham midfielder curled a superb left-footed strike into the top corner to beat Foster and make it 1-0 on the stroke of half-time. It was his first goal since September 2016, when Bostock helped Lens beat Ligue 2 rivals Red Star 2-0 at home.
Since leaving Lens in January 2018, Bostock has experienced goalless spells with Bursaspor, Toulouse, Nottingham Forest and Doncaster Rovers. He joined Notts County in December and has played a crucial role in their promotion push from the National League.
Despite conceding on the stroke of half-time, Wrexham responded when Paul Mullin equalised in the 48th minute. Jacob Mendy then made it 2-1 before Kyle Cameron equalised. Then, in the 78th minute, Elliot Lee scored what turned out to be the winner.
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Notts County pushed for an equaliser and had a golden chance to snatch a priceless point when the ball was handled in Wrexham's box. Cedwyn Scott stepped up, but Foster produced an outstanding save to give Wrexham their biggest victory of the season.
Phil Parkinson's side now need just seven points from their final four National League games to win the title and return to League Two, ending a 14-year absence. Their final league fixtures are against Barnet, Yeovil Town, Boreham Wood and Torquay United.
Bostock and Notts County, meanwhile, will have one eye on the play-offs. The Nottingham club, who are coached by Luke Williams, will be the favourites to beat the likes of Woking, Chesterfield, Barnet and Boreham Wood to promotion.
Bostock, who turned 31 in January, has enjoyed a unique career. He was offered a contract by Barcelona at the age of 14 and made his professional debut for Crystal Palace as a 15-year-old. That persuaded Tottenham to sign him in the summer of 2008.
During his time at Tottenham, Bostock completed loan spells with Brentford, Hull City, Sheffield Wednesday, Swindon Town and Toronto FC before joining Royal Antwerp on a permanent deal in the summer of 2013. He also played for their Belgian rivals OH Leuven.
Bostock's contract at Notts County doesn't expire until June 2024. He told The Athletic, "As a family, we are really settled. But in football, you never know what is next. I know that as well as anyone. But coming here is one decision I am very happy with."
