Southampton scored twice in the final nine minutes to snatch a dramatic 2-1 victory over Wrexham at St Mary's, handing the Welsh club a stark reminder of the step up to the Championship. Before the match, digivans with LED billboards taunted Wrexham with the message 'Who needs Hollywood?' referencing the club's celebrity owners, but the visitors were left to rue a late collapse.
Wrexham had taken a deserved first-half lead through Josh Windass's penalty, awarded after Ronnie Edwards fouled Kieffer Moore. Manager Phil Parkinson felt Edwards should have been sent off, but referee James Bell judged there was a covering defender. The visitors missed several chances to double their lead, with Lewis O'Brien denied and substitute Ryan Hardie forcing a save from Gavin Bazunu.
Southampton, however, turned the game around in the closing stages. Ryan Manning levelled with a superb free-kick from 25 yards before Jack Stephens scored the winner, converting after Damion Downs failed to convert from close range. The result was Southampton's first home league win since November and a first victory under manager Will Still.
Parkinson remained proud of his side's performance. 'It was a very proud day for the club, playing at this level and there were a lot of positives,' he said. 'The new lads came in and did really well and so did the existing players – that gives us great heart for the season.'
The defeat served as a necessary reality check for Wrexham, who were playing in the fourth tier two years ago and have risen rapidly under the ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Despite the comeback, the visitors showed they can compete, but the need for greater ruthlessness and game management at this level was evident.
