Wrexham were handed a reality check upon their return to the Football League after being beaten 5-3 at home to MK Dons.
The Red Dragons participated in their first EFL fixture since 2008 after winning the National League courtesy of a record points tally of 111 last term.
Although they released 11 players following on from their promotion, many tipped Wrexham to go up again given their wage budget and quality of players.
But without talisman and top goalscorer Paul Mullin as he recovers from a punctured lung, they kicked off the new League Two campaign with a 4-2 defeat at the newly named STōK Cae Ras.
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MK Dons took the lead six minutes in when Eoghan O'Connell put through his own net, before Mohamed Eisa doubled the advantage four minutes later.
Jacob Mendy reduced the deficit just before half-time but then former West Brom forward Jonathan Leko hit a second-half brace.
Jordan Davies made the scoreline look a little more respectable with a wonderful effort from outside the area but Daniel Harvie scored a fifth past Ben Foster in stoppage time.
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There was time for a final strike as Wrexham's Anthony Forde produced a fine effort to complete the eight-goal thriller.
Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman was the latest special guest invited by owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, with the two even teasing the Wolverine star as their third co-chairman prior to the clash.
However, after shipping five goals at home, you wouldn't be surprised if Jackman is not invited back. Wrexham are back in action on Tuesday when they take on Wigan Athletic, who they have just engaged in business with having brought in Republic of Ireland international James McClean in for an undisclosed fee.
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Phil Parkinson's side face AFC Wimbledon on 12 August in their next League Two fixture.
Topics: Wrexham, Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, League Two