Spygate fallout fuels Wrexham’s dramatic win over Southampton
On Saturday, Ryan Reynolds' Wrexham clinched a dramatic 2‑1 victory at the Racecourse Ground when Jacques Ekomié’s lightning run down the left culminated in Keven Schlotterbeck’s 89th‑minute own‑goal, sealing the win for the Red Dragons against Cyle Larin’s Southampton after a late surge.
Early dominance and first‑half goal
Kieffer Moore gave the Red Dragons the lead before half‑time, heading a corner into the top‑right corner with ten minutes remaining in the first half. The strike put Wrexham 1‑0 up and underscored their intent after a season that began with only one win in seven matches.
James Ward‑Prowse, returning from West Ham, levelled for the Saints with a powerful shot that rattled the roof of the net after his initial attempt was blocked. He celebrated with his trademark golf swing, delighting the travelling supporters. The South crowd roared as the GOAL restored parity at 1‑1.
Decisive own‑goal seals win
In the 89th minute Jacques Ekomié surged down the left flank and delivered a low cross into the penalty area. Saints defender Keven Schlotterbeck, under pressure, turned the ball into his own net from close range. Goalkeeper Daniel Peretz could not intervene after coming off his line to attempt a clearance.
Cyle Larin was held off the scoresheet for only the third time in eight Championship appearances this season. He remains atop the Golden Boot race with seven goals, as Middlesbrough’s Will Lankshear failed to add to his tally in a 2‑2 draw with Birmingham’s Liam Millar.
Spygate controversy looms over Southampton
Southampton sit one place above Wrexham in thirteenth, their 4‑2‑2 record boosted by a four‑point deduction for spying on opponents. Without the penalty they would have been fourth, ahead of West Brom on goal difference. Head coach Tonda Eckert has been charged by the FA with misconduct breaches following the espionage scandal.
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney fronted a Thursday advertisement for Firefox, highlighting the browser’s privacy and anti‑spying features. The ad served as a not‑so‑subtle jab at the Saints, who were expelled from last season’s promotion playoffs and docked points for the same conduct.
Southampton return to action in a South Coast Derby against Portsmouth on 11 October, while Canadian internationals including Larin and Stephen Eustáquio prepare for friendlies against Chile, Peru and the United States later in the month. The fixtures mark the final build‑up before the Nations League campaign in November.