ROB McElhenney met Wrexham AFC fans who travelled more than 7,000 miles to watch The Reds. 

A group of Reds fans who live in the Welsh-speaking area of Patagonia in Argentina were welcomed to STōK Cae Ras for the match against Accrington Stanley on Saturday.

The Leader: The Patagonian Reds were welcomed onto the field at STōK Cae Ras. The Patagonian Reds were welcomed onto the field at STōK Cae Ras. (Image: Gemma Thomas Photography)

Their link to Wales dates back to 1865, a year after the club was formed, when 153 Welsh pioneers set off for South America on a clipper ship called Mimosa.

The Welsh-speaking community established afterwards - Y Wladfa - has endured, with between 2,000 and 5,000 Argentines speaking Welsh to this day.

Among the travelling contingent was David Mardones - whose story has been previously featured in The Leader after fans set up a fundraiser to help him fund his dream trip to Wrexham. 

The group met the club's star co-owner, Rob McElhenney and were invited onto the field at half time - to a standing ovation from the fans in the stands. 

Thankfully, the Dragons put on a show for the Patagonian fans - with Paul Mullin grabbing a first half hattrick in a thumping 4-0 win. 

As well as attending Saturday's match, the Patagonians also took part in the St David's Day parade in Wrexham city centre on Friday.