Kieffer Moore unplayable, George Dobson rubbish – Wrexham ratings v Southampton
Phil Parkinson’s side faced a heartbreaking return to the Championship after Wrexham threw away a 1-0 lead against Southampton to lose.
Josh Windass, fresh off his move from Sheffield Wednesday, tucked away an early penalty after Kieffer Moore was brought down in the box, only for Ryan Manning to equalise late on with a stunning free-kick.
Then, in the dying embers of the game at St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday, 9 August, Jack Stephens slammed home at the back post to complete the turnaround in a 2-1 loss for Wrexham.
While the Red Dragons will feel that three points have been dropped, it was a positive first performance in Wrexham’s first season back in the second tier since 1982.
Danny Ward and Conor Coady lead by example
Danny Ward – 8
Made multiple key saves, made all the more impressive by his lack of minutes in between the sticks over the last few seasons. Nothing he could do about the goals.
Max Cleworth – 5
Picked up an early yellow card but dealt well with the pressure for the rest of the game. Could be vital for Wrexham’s campaign in the Championship.
Conor Coady – 8
An incredible figure to have at the back. Nearly opened the scoring in the first half before making a goalline clearance soon after, using his experience to get behind the goalkeeper.
Lewis Brunt – 7
A decent performance from the 24-year-old. Close to keeping a first clean sheet until Manning’s equaliser, making several key interventions.
Wrexham require more strength in midfield
Ryan Barnett (Off for Longman 73′) – 4
Saw very little of the ball, so was not able to prove himself properly in the Championship opener.
George Dobson – 2
Having played such a key role last season, Dobson’s display left a lot to be desired. Misplaced passes, missed tackles, too many fouls, putting his team under pressure.
Matty James – 6
A sensible performance from the 34-year-old in the middle of the park. Nothing special from him, but he rarely put a foot wrong for the Red Dragons.
Lewis O’Brien – 6
Always looking to take control of the ball, even bursting in behind before being halted in the penalty area. A fine addition to the midfield.
Liberato Cacace – 5
Given his experience in Serie A, the New Zealand international left fans wanting more from his performance. Lost a few too many challenges.
Kieffer Moore ready to cause trouble in the Championship
Josh Windass (Off for Hardie 72′) – 8
A huge player for Wrexham. Tucked away his penalty and was a constant threat at St Mary’s Stadium.
Kieffer Moore (Off for Smith 55′) – 9 – Player of the Match
Absolutely unplayable. Continued to cause issues for Southampton‘s defence, spinning in behind and driving towards goal, until his unfortunate injury.
Substitutes
Sam Smith (On for Moore 55′) – 4
Offered very little after replacing the injured Moore.
Ryan Hardie (On for Windass 72′) – 6
Inches from scoring a much-needed second for Wrexham. Could have wrapped up the game.
Ryan Longman (On for Barnett 73′) – 3
Did very little, and that wasn’t an issue, before he lost his man for Southampton’s winning goal.