Wrexham returned to the EFL for the first time in 15 years but were defeated in an eight-goal thriller, losing 5-3 at home to MK Dons that leaves them fourth from bottom after the opening set of League Two fixtures.
Their first match back at this level got off to a terrible start with an own goal after just six minutes from Eoghan O’Connell before a Mohamed Eisa strike put the home side 2-0 down after just ten minutes.
Though Jacob Mendy got Wrexham’s first EFL goal since 2008, Jonathan Leko scored a brace in the second half to put the away team 4-1 ahead.
Jordan Davies pulled a goal back with eight minutes of normal time left, but Daniel Harvie’s injury-time strike wrapped up a miserable day for the Welsh club. The drama didn’t stop there, however, as Anthony Forde scored another consolation goal for Wrexham in the sixth minute of added time.
Not much attention should be paid to league tables until several game weeks into the season, but the loss leaves Wrexham 21st in League Two. They are ahead of Forest Green, Newport County and Notts County, who were also promoted last season and lost 5-1 to Sutton United.
Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman was also present at the SToK Racecourse Ground, sitting with Ryan Reynolds.
Finally snagged an invite. Thanks Wrex. @VancityReynolds @RMcElhenney @Wrexham_AFC @WrexhamFX pic.twitter.com/XkVsch6Guk
— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) August 5, 2023
Wrexham were without talisman Paul Mullin, who suffered a punctured lung in a pre-season friendly with Manchester United. He has been recovering in the U.S. where the club had a successful and highly popular pre-season tour. Last week, co-owner Rob McElhenney said he had offered up his home to help Mullin recover.
Wrexham are next in action in the EFL Cup first round on Tuesday where they face Wigan Athletic, who play in League One.
Who do Wrexham play next?
- Wigan Athletic (H) – EFL Cup first round – Tuesday August 8 (8pm BST; noon PT; 3pm ET)
- AFC Wimbledon (A) – League Two – Saturday August 12 (3pm BST; 7am PT; 10am ET)
- Walsall (H) – League Two – Tuesday August 15 (7.45pm BST; 11.45am PT; 2.45pm ET)
- Swindon Town (H) – League Two – Saturday August 19 (3pm BST; 7am PT; 10am ET)
- Barrow (A) – League Two – Saturday August 26 (3pm BST; 7am PT; 10am ET)
(Photo: Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)
