Wrexham’s long-awaited return to English football’s second tier didn’t end with the fairy-tale finish many had hoped for, as Southampton struck twice in the dying moments to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory on Saturday.
In their first match back in the Championship after a 43-year absence, Wrexham looked on course for a memorable win after Josh Windass converted a penalty in the 22nd minute. The Welsh side held their lead for most of the match, only to be undone by two quick goals in stoppage time.
Irish defender Ryan Manning leveled the score with a stunning free-kick in the 90th minute, curling the ball over the wall and inside the right post. Just minutes later, Manning again played a crucial role by assisting Jack Stephens, who slid in at the far post and fired the winning goal into the top of the net in the 96th minute at St. Mary’s Stadium.
Wrexham had multiple opportunities to extend their lead earlier in the game. One of the best chances came in the 87th minute when Ryan Hardie’s powerful left-footed strike was brilliantly saved by Southampton goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu.
“It’s painful because the lads gave everything today,” Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson told Sky Sports. “We had the chance to finish it off. Credit to Ryan — their keeper pulled off a fantastic save.”
Southampton had nearly equalized before halftime when Jay Robinson hit the post, and Wrexham’s Conor Coady — a new signing from Leicester City with nearly 200 Premier League appearances — cleared Adam Armstrong’s follow-up shot off the goal line.
Wrexham’s meteoric rise under celebrity owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney has captured worldwide attention. Just three years ago, the club was competing in England’s fifth tier, playing non-league football. Since then, they’ve achieved three consecutive promotions, propelling them into the Championship — one step below the Premier League.
Saturday’s thrilling conclusion was a reminder of how challenging this league can be. Parkinson acknowledged the strength of Southampton, a team recently relegated from the Premier League, noting their ability to bring on high-value substitutes late in the match.
Despite the disappointment, Parkinson expressed pride in his team’s progress.
“I was incredibly proud watching the team walk out in front of our traveling supporters,” he said. “It’s a moment that makes you reflect on how far we’ve come. The fact that I’m standing here frustrated not to have taken something from the game speaks volumes about our progress.”
Wrexham, like fellow Welsh clubs Swansea and Cardiff, competes in England’s football league system — a tradition rooted in history. These clubs joined the English leagues before a national Welsh league existed; the first fully representative league in Wales wasn’t established until 1992.
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