Newly-promoted Wrexham AFC suffered heartbreak in their Championship opener as Southampton scored two stoppage-time goals to snatch a 2-1 victory at St Mary’s Stadium.

In Will Still’s first match as Saints manager, the home side — relegated from the Premier League last season — trailed for almost the entire game. Wrexham took the lead in the first half when Josh Windass confidently converted a penalty after Kieffer Moore was fouled by Ronnie Edwards.

The visitors, featuring six of their eight summer signings in the starting XI, looked composed and dangerous. Windass rattled the crossbar, while Conor Coady and Lewis Brunt missed golden opportunities to double the lead. Southampton’s Jay Robinson also came close, striking the post in a thrilling first half.

After the break, Southampton dominated possession and applied mounting pressure. The introduction of Mateus Fernandes, a player linked with a summer move, proved decisive. In the 90th minute, Ryan Manning curled a stunning 25-yard free-kick into the net to level the score.

The drama didn’t stop there. Deep into injury time, Jack Stephens bundled home Manning’s low cross, sealing a sensational comeback and sending the St Mary’s crowd into raptures.

For Wrexham, owned by Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, it was a bittersweet start to life in the Championship. Despite the defeat, the performance showed they can compete at this level as they chase a fourth successive promotion in their remarkable rise through English football.

Final Score: Southampton 2–1 Wrexham
Goals: Windass (pen) | Manning, Stephens