Wrexham | Dramatic defeat for Phil Parkinson's side

Southampton 2 - 1 Wrexham

Wrexham were denied a dream start to life in the Championship as Southampton struck twice in the dying moments.

Author | Steffan Ingram

Stadium | St. Mary's Stadium

Pre match as both sets of players prepare.

Relegated from the Premier League last season, Saints trailed for much of the match before Ryan Manning curled in a superb 25-yard free-kick on 90 minutes. Six minutes into stoppage time, captain Jack Stephens bundled in from close range to complete the turnaround.

With six of their eight summer signings in the starting line-up, Wrexham looked comfortable at this level and took a deserved lead when Josh Windass converted a penalty after Kieffer Moore was pushed over by Ronnie Edwards.

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The visitors came close to extending their advantage, with Windass hitting the bar and both Conor Coady and Lewis Brunt missing good opportunities, while Jay Robinson struck the post for the hosts.

The first half was played at a breathless pace, with chances at both ends, but Southampton gradually imposed themselves after the interval. The introduction of Mateus Fernandes added impetus, and Manning’s strike finally broke Wrexham’s resistance.

Fans watch on

Stephens’ winner sent St Mary’s into raptures and delivered a perfect start for Still, the 32-year-old former Lens head coach now tasked with leading Southampton’s return to the top flight.

For Wrexham, backed by their Hollywood ownership, this was another unforgettable chapter in their remarkable rise through the divisions, even if the fairytale opening-day victory ultimately slipped away.

A sign of how far Wrexham have developed as a club

In December 2019, Wrexham were bottom of the National League and Southampton were in the Premier League. Here, thousands of their fans packed St Mary’s for their first Championship match in 43 years. Once four divisions below Southampton, they now meet as equals after the Saints’ relegation and Wrexham’s remarkable run of three straight promotions. 

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This was a devastating way to start the season but they proved they deserve to be here and will cause the bigger teams in this division a lot of problems.

The Southampton perspective. Ryan Manning and Joshua Quarshie were superb.

Manning scored a spectacular free-kick that brought the Saints level. Then, he made an incredible run to connect with a long ball from Charles, setting up Stephens to score the winning goal.

Quarshie was heavily involved throughout, recording 106 touches, the most of any player on the pitch. He won all three of his aerial duels and made more clearances than any of his team-mates. A late error in the 86th minute allowed Wrexham a chance that might have altered the result, but overall it was an impressive home debut from a promising young talent.