Southampton clinch late win

Southampton fought back to win 2-1 after two goals in stoppage time, signaling a dramatic start to the Championship season.

Southampton seal dramatic late comeback against Wrexham

Wrexham took the lead through Josh Windass from a 22nd minute penalty as they returned to the Championship after 43 years away. Southampton equalised in the 90th minute when substitute Ryan Manning curled a superb free-kick into the corner, then delivered the cross for Jack Stephens to lash in from close range in added time.

Manager Will Still said the finish felt chaotic but stressed lessons from the night. He pointed to conceding high up the pitch on the throw and the need to tighten transitions, while praising the energy of the squad and the impact of the substitutes in turning the game around.

This match highlights the Championship’s appetite for drama and the way coaches balance risk and resilience in tight moments. Still’s willingness to lean on fresh legs and pragmatic tweaks shows Southampton preparing for a long race, not a single sprint. The late goals also underline how momentum can swing on a single moment and how a team can convert pressure into a winner when confidence is high.

If Saints can bottle the late energy and apply it to the broader 90 minutes, they could build real consistency. For Wrexham, the setback is a reminder that challenge comes quickly in this league, even against a club still finding its footing in the division. The 96th-minute winner adds another chapter to a season that promises more unpredictable nights at St Mary's.

Highlights

The road ahead will test this Southampton side in the weeks to come.