In December 2019, Wrexham reached their nadir, bottom of the National League and having to apologise to their fans for the worst league position in their 155-year existence, before a midweek trip to Eastleigh.

On Saturday, they were back in the same part of the world – but what felt like a different universe.

St Mary’s is only five miles down the road from Eastleigh but, whereas 56 Wrexham supporters made the long trip south six years ago, more than 3,000 were at Southampton.

If ever there was a yardstick for Wrexham’s extraordinary rise, it was this curtain-raiser for their first season in the second tier of English football for 43 years.

As recently as 2023, Southampton were four divisions higher than Wrexham.

Now, after Saints’ relegation from the Premier League last season and the Welsh club’s historic three successive promotions, they are Championship rivals.

This was a moment to savour for Wrexham’s fans, even in defeat, basking in the south coast sunshine and making a racket all afternoon in a carnivalesque away end.

“It was a very proud moment for everyone connected with the club today,” said manager Phil Parkinson.

“I took a moment when the lads ran out for the warm-up and just reflected because where we’ve come from to be playing on a stage like this today was very special. We had outstanding support.”