Wrexham denied by Southampton late show on Championship return
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Wrexham's Danny Ward looks dejected after Southampton's Jack Stephens scores their second goal.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON – Wrexham endured a long wait to play Championship football – the aim is the Premier League eventually – and manager Phil Parkinson was just proud of his team regardless of the result.
On Aug 9, they suffered an agonising 2-1 defeat to two late Southampton goals on their return to English football’s second tier after 43 years, while Sheffield United were humbled 4-1 by Bristol City.
Backed by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Wrexham have enjoyed a dream ascent from the National League to the Championship with three consecutive promotions.
They played their first game in the second tier in 43 years and 86 days, the longest gap between matches at that level since Doncaster Rovers between 1958 and 2008.
“I think when we reflect, it’s a very proud day for the club playing at this level and there was a lot of positives for us,” said Parkinson. “The new lads came in and have done really well. But the existing players as well, I thought they were really good. That gives us great heart for the season ahead.”
After another summer of heavy investment in the transfer market, the Welsh side looked set to make a flying start to their ambition to reach the Premier League.
The visitors led 1-0 at half-time thanks to a Josh Windass penalty and could have been further in front as Windass also hit the bar.
Southampton, relegated from the Premier League last season, were under the charge of Will Still for the first time and the former Lens coach had a telling hand to play in the turnaround.
Still brought left-back Ryan Manning off the bench in the final quarter and the Ireland international secured a memorable three points for the Saints with a goal and assist.
Manning’s brilliant free kick on 90 minutes levelled proceedings, before he crossed for Jack Stephens to fire in the winner six minutes into added time.
“It was crazy,” said Still. “Good to show a bit of grit and determination. To bring the energy and place alive which probably helped us bundle the ball over the line is good.”
Ruben Selles’ tenure as Blades boss got off to a nightmare start as Scott Twine’s double and goals from Ross McCrorie and Anis Mehmeti gave Gerhard Struber a commanding win in his first match as Bristol City boss.
Elsewhere, Ryan Mason enjoyed a winning start as West Bromwich Albion manager as Isaac Price’s 15th-minute goal secured a 1-0 win over Blackburn Rovers.
Millwall shocked highly-fancied Norwich City 2-1 at Carrow Road thanks to substitute Macaulay Langstaff’s late winner.
Dael Fry’s first goal in more than three years ensured Rob Edwards’ reign as Middlesbrough manager got off to a winning start with a 1-0 victory over Swansea.
Adrian Segecic scored on his debut to give Portsmouth a 1-0 win at Oxford United, while Stoke City struck twice in stoppage time to beat Derby County 3-1.
Charlton Athletic also scored a winner in added time to beat Watford 1-0 on their return to the Championship.
Coventry City and Hull City played out a 0-0 stalemate, while Queens Park Rangers and Preston North End shared the points in a 1-1 draw.
Birmingham City, bankrolled by an ownership group containing seven-time Super Bowl winning National Football League quarter-back Tom Brady, began their campaign with a 1-1 draw at home to Ipswich Town after conceding a controversial stoppage-time penalty. AFP
