Rubin Colwill's last-gasp free-kick secured a dramatic 1-1 draw for Cardiff City with Wrexham on their Championship return.

It looked like former Bluebird Kieffer Moore had settled the contest with his early strike, but from the very edge of the box, Colwill equalised in the 98th minute to send Cardiff City Stadium into raptures.

It was a dream start for Wrexham after winning a left-sided free-kick three minutes in. Lewis O'Brien's delivery was only half-cleared, and Moore raced onto the recycled ball before rifling a tight-angled shot into the roof of the net.

The visitors continued to push in the early stages, with Callum Doyle's header tipped over the bar before Matty James blazed over.  Moore then thumped a header against the crossbar shortly before the break as Cardiff struggled to mount a response.

Wrexham started the second half brightly, too, with Callum Doyle forcing Nathan Trott into a smart stop within 60 seconds, while the goalkeeper also denied Nathan Broadhead.

Doyle then smashed a powerful effort against the post just before the hour-mark, before Jack Moylan fired straight at Anthony Patterson at the other end.

Cardiff almost equalised when Dominic Hyam's clearing header clipped the crossbar and rebounded out, but the hosts would get one last chance.

Joel Colwill was brought down right on the edge of the box by George Dobson, and Rubin Colwill stepped up with an inch-perfect free-kick into the top-left corner to salvage a point.

Moore haunts former side, but Bluebirds punish missed chances

Moore made 66 appearances for Cardiff in all competitions between 2020 and 2022, scoring 20 goals for the club during that time.

And he almost proved to be their downfall on Monday as he netted his seventh goal against Cardiff, more than he has scored against any other team. 

Only Broadhead (four) attempted more shots than Moore (three), but the striker attempted and won the most duels (10/17) and aerial duels (6/10).

Wrexham, who will be determined to push for the play-offs once again after just missing out last season, ensured they made a strong start to their campaign, though Phil Parkinson will rue their missed opportunities after accumulating 1.55 expected goals (xG) from 12 shots.

And while Cardiff, who won 17 of their 23 home games in League One last term, did not begin with a win, it is the perfect boost of confidence thanks to Rubin Colwill's nerves of steel right at the end.