Southampton scored twice in the final nine minutes to come from behind and beat Wrexham 2-1 at St Mary's, earning their first home league victory since November. Ryan Manning levelled with a superb free-kick before Jack Stephens tapped in the winner, sparking wild celebrations.
Wrexham had taken a first-half lead through Josh Windass's penalty after Ronnie Edwards fouled Kieffer Moore. The visitors, making their first appearance in the Championship since 1982, impressed for long periods but were unable to hold on. Manager Phil Parkinson felt Edwards should have been sent off but referee James Bell disagreed.
Southampton, now under new manager Will Still, struggled to break down a well-organised Wrexham side until the introduction of Mateus Fernandes on the hour. The hosts upped the pressure and were rewarded when Manning curled a 25-yard free-kick into the top corner. Deep into stoppage time, Manning chested down a diagonal pass for Damion Downs, whose shot was saved but Stephens was on hand to force the ball over the line.
Parkinson, while disappointed with the result, took pride in his team's performance. 'It was a very proud day for the club, playing at this level and there were a lot of positives,' he said. Wrexham, owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, have risen from non-league to the Championship in just four years.
