Southampton vs Wrexham live: Result as Jack Stephens’ late winner sinks Wrexham on return to Championship
Having secured back-to-back-to-back promotions from the National League the Welsh side aim to impress in the Championship
Wrexham kick off their season in the Championship by facing Southampton in the early kick off on Saturday. These clubs were separated by two leagues last year with Saints plying their trade in the Premier League and Wrexham securing promotion from League One.
The Welsh club have won promotion in each of the last three seasons in a rare story of success which has taken them from the National League to within touching distance of the Premier League. Playing in the top flight is the dream of their Hollywood owners who have made key signings in the transfer window with the experienced Conor Coady and Kieffer Moore joining the squad.
Saints will hope to give them a reality check after a bruising season in the top flight last year. They secured just 12 points in the entire campaign but have a new boss, in Will Still, whose target is to steer them back to the Premier League on the first time of asking.
Follow all the action from St. Mary’s as Southampton take on Wrexham in the Championship:
How's this for a stat?
Southampton have now won the same amount of home league games this season as they did in the Premier League last season.
Today’s match was their first game of the year.
Wrexham dealt harsh lesson
Former Wales and Wrexham midfielder, Barry Horne, speaking on BBC Radio Wales:
“Southampton dominated the last half hour and they would have been desperate to win.
“Phil Parkinson and his players will have learnt a lot from that.”
Will Still shows class
There were a few questions over Southampton’s new manager Will Still.
Today was his first match coaching in the Championship and he’s secured his first win.
Once the hosts went behind he made changes and bringing on Ryan Manning was a masterstroke.
Manning got a goal and an assist inside six minutes at the end of the game to help Southampton clinch all three points.
Full-time! Southampton 2-1 Wrexham
90+8 mins: Southampton dug deep after conceding a penalty in the first half and going behind against Wrexham.
The hosts dominated the second half and Gavin Bazunu made a couple of great saves to keep them in the game.
Ryan Manning’s free kick secured them the equaliser before Jack Stephens earned all three points with seconds left on the clock.
Wrexham are heartbroken.
Welcome back to the Championship.
GOAL! Southampton 2-1 Wrexham (Jack Stephens, 90+6')
WOW!
Southampton have nicked this right at the death. They work the ball out to the left wing where Manning gets in behind.
He plays the ball across the face of goal where Jack Stephens arrives at the back post and toes the ball into the roof of the net!
GOAL! Southampton 1-1 Wrexham (Ryan Manning, 90')
Unbelievable Jeff!
Southampton win themselves a free kick about 25-yards out from goal.
Ryan Manning places the ball for the set piece and whips a curling shot at goal. It’s perfectly placed and beats Danny Ward’s outstretched hand before finishing in the corner.
Wow. Southampton have the equaliser.
Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
88 mins: The Wrexham fans are chanting for Danny Ward who has been impressive for them in goal today.
He’s been a confident and solid presence between the posts.
Will he secure a clean sheet?
Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
85 mins: Liberato Cacace is replaced with James McClean for Wrexham.
That’s press legs and an experienced hand coming on for the final stages in this clash.
Southampton continue to push though.
Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
82 mins: Wrexham are camped well inside their own half now.
They’re less than 10 minutes away from a big, big win. Can they hold out?
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