Wrexham suffered a double blow as Kieffer Moore’s ankle injury compounded their late 2-1 defeat to Southampton on Saturday.

The north Walian club were leading thanks to a Josh Windass penalty, before conceding twice after the 90th minute through Ryan Manning’s freekick and Jack Stephens’ 96th minute winner.

The Welsh club, now famous beyond the borders of football due to its Hollywood ownership, made their intentions clear from the outset. Despite playing away to a recently relegated Premier League side, Wrexham were far from timid.

Their pressing was sharp, their structure disciplined, and their front line, led by Moore, was a constant threat.

That threat paid off early. In the 22nd minute, Moore was brought down in the box after a clever turn, and Josh Windass calmly converted the resulting penalty to give Wrexham a deserved lead. It was a moment that symbolised Wrexham’s confidence.

After a summer of big name signings – including Moore, Windass, Lewis O’Brien, Ryan Hardie, Conor Coady, and Danny Ward – Phil Parkinson’s side looked ready to compete at Championship level.

For much of the match, they did just that. Southampton pushed, dominated possession, and created chances, but the Wrexham backline, anchored by Coady and James McClean, stood firm. Arthur Okonkwo was sharp between the sticks, making several important saves and commanding his area with authority.

In the 90th minute, substitute Ryan Manning curled in a sensational free-kick that left the Wrexham ‘keeper with no chance. It was a goal of pure quality, but one that broke Wrexham hearts.

And worse was to come. Deep into stoppage time, Manning once again proved decisive, delivering a cross from the left that found Jack Stephens at the far post.

The Saints skipper crashed his header off the underside of the bar and in, sparking wild celebrations in the home stands and disbelief among the travelling Wrexham supporters.

“We’ve lost Kieffer, which is obviously a blow. His performance was outstanding, everything we know he brings to us,” said Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson.

“We’ve just got to assess that injury as quickly as we can. It was his ankle ligaments.”

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