Wrexham's Historic Championship Comeback Crumbles After Four-Decade Wait
What began as a fairy-tale comeback to the EFL Championship turned into a devastating defeat for Wrexham as the Red Dragons surrendered their advantage in the dying moments, falling 2–1 to Southampton.
A revamped Wrexham squad commenced their inaugural Championship journey in over four decades at St. Mary's Stadium. With aspirations of eventually reaching the Premier League, Phil Parkinson's team aimed to launch their 2025–26 campaign positively against a newly relegated Southampton outfit.
Ex-Rangers striker and fresh acquisition Josh Windass put the away side ahead, slotting home from twelve yards in the 22nd minute.
After 43 years, Wrexham score their first goal in the second tier 🤩
Josh Windass marks his debut with a clinical penalty 💥 pic.twitter.com/ejA8k4iihI
The Red Dragons maintained their 1–0 advantage for the following 67 minutes before Ryan Manning struck a magnificent free-kick to level the score for Southampton.
More devastating than allowing the late leveler was surrendering a decisive goal in the 96th minute. Jack Stephens connected with a bouncing delivery and fired home the hosts' second strike of the match from point-blank range to claim all three points for the Saints.
89': Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
90': Southampton 1-1 Wrexham
FT: Southampton 2-1 Wrexham
THE SAINTS PULL OFF AN INSANE COMEBACK IN STOPPAGE TIME ON EFL CHAMPIONSHIP OPENING DAY 😱 pic.twitter.com/eckaCmSARP
What represented an unlikely turnaround for Southampton was equally a dreadful capitulation from Wrexham. The Welsh club failed to see out the contest, surrendering three crucial points in what will be remembered as a debut fixture to erase from memory.
It should be acknowledged, however, that Southampton were the superior team throughout. Will Still's squad controlled possession, registered 27 attempts at Danny Ward's goal and completed more than triple the number of passes compared to Wrexham.
The Red Dragons, conversely, managed just two efforts on target across 96 minutes, with one being Windass's spot-kick. During last season's EFL League One campaign, Wrexham could have delivered such a display and secured maximum points, but Championship-level competition will severely punish this type of showing.
Wrexham will have an opportunity to bounce back next weekend when they welcome West Brom on Saturday, Aug. 16. Before that, however, comes an EFL Cup encounter against Hull City on Tuesday, Aug. 12.