‘Crazy’: Wrexham heartbreak as cruel twist sours second-tier return after 43-yr wait

Wrexham 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 on Sunday morning (AEST).

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.

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.

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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.

“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 Wrexham boss Phil 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.”

Southampton, relegated from the Premier League last season, were under the orders 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 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.

Ryan Mason enjoyed a winning start as West Brom manager as Isaac Price’s 15th minute goal secured a 1-0 win over Blackburn.

Millwall shocked highly-fancied Norwich 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 head coach 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. Stoke struck twice in stoppage time to beat Derby 3-1.

Charlton also scored a winner in added time to beat Watford 1-0 on their return to the Championship.

Coventry and Hull played out a 0-0 stalemate, while QPR and Preston shared the points in a 1-1 draw.

Birmingham, bankrolled by an ownership group containing seven-time Super Bowl winning NFL quarterback Tom Brady, began their campaign with a 1-1 draw at home to Ipswich after conceding a controversial stoppage time penalty.

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