Soccer-Southampton late show spoils Wrexham's dream return

SOUTHAMPTON, England, Aug 9 (Reuters) - Southampton denied Wrexham a fairytale return to England's second tier as two late goals snatched a 2-1 home win on Saturday and ruined what looked like a Hollywood script written by the Welsh club's celebrity owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

Josh Windass put Wrexham ahead with a 22nd-minute penalty, and they looked like enjoying a dream comeback to the Championship after 43 years until Ryan Manning levelled in the 90th minute and Jack Stephens got the winner deep in added time.

"I was actually shattered, Ryan's been whipping in 25 crosses in the last 10 minutes, so there's always a chance to get on the end of it, so, I’m really pleased," Stephens told Sky Sports.

Southampton, relegated from the Premier League last season, are one of the favourites for promotion, but they were almost stunned by a Wrexham side back at this level for the first time since 1982 after an unprecedented three consecutive promotions.

The home side enjoyed plenty of possession throughout the match, but it was Wrexham who created the more clearcut chances, and Phil Parkinson's side, which included six new signings, took a deserved lead.

Experienced Welsh striker Kieffer Moore beat the offside trap and was charging through on goal when a nudge in the back from Ronnie Edwards was punished, and Windass drove his penalty low and past Gavin Bazunu.

Windass saw an earlier effort bounce off the crossbar, while Southampton almost snatched an equaliser in added time before the break when Jay Robinson, sliding into the six-yard box, hit the upright.

Southampton appealed for a penalty when Shea Charles' shot struck defender Max Cleworth's hand, but with no VAR in the Championship Wrexham escaped.

Wrexham's promotion from League One last season was built on defensive strength, keeping 24 clean sheets across 46 games, and it looked like they would begin this campaign in similar style.

But Manning struck a beautiful free kick into the top corner and although Cameron Archer missed Manning's ball across goal, Stephens was at the back post to smash a shot into the roof of the net.

St. Mary's Stadium erupted, as the Southampton fans who had endured a dismal campaign last season with only two league wins to celebrate, belted out "When the Saints go marching in".

Wrexham may have been brought back down to earth by the loss after their meteoric rise since Reynolds and McElhenney took over in 2021, but they showed they may have what it takes to cause plenty of problems to the big clubs this season.