Arthur Okonkwo’s heroics vs Mansfield on Tuesday night were lauded by Wrexham fans, who now think he’s the club’s No.1 moving forward.
Wrexham earned a positive result in their midweek fixture against Mansfield. The Reds had come unstuck in recent games, losing 5-0 to Stockport but earning a spirited point with 10 men against Crewe at the weekend. The Dragons claimed a hard-fought goalless draw against Mansfield on Tuesday night, with one man in particular standing out.
Wrexham play out goalless draw away at Mansfield
Phil Parkinson made two changes to the side that battled back to a 3-3 draw with Crewe at the weekend. Tom O’Connor replaced Will Boyle while Jacob Mendy came in for the suspended Ryan Barnett.
The hosts were unbeaten in the league heading into the fixture, and showed their dominance from the get go.
They peppered the Wrexham goal in the first half but the Reds came out fighting in the second half and spurned a number of chances of their own.
They game eventually finished 0-0 which is not a bad result away from home for Phil Parkinson’s side. Wrexham managed to keep a clean sheet – something they’ve not been able to do often this season – and the defence looked much stronger than it has done in recent weeks.
Arthur Okonkwo’s heroics vs Mansfield lauded by fans after Wrexham claim hard-fought point
The main factor in Wrexham’s resolute defending last night was goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo. The 6’6” goalkeeper was signed on a season-long loan from Arsenal at the end of summer, having been with Arsenal’s academy since 2009.
He also spent last season on loan with Crewe Alexandra and Stum Graz – winning the Austrian Cup with the latter – and his experience showed at the One Call Stadium last night.
Okonkwo made a couple of brilliant saves to deny Aaron Lewis and Ollie Clarke from breaking the deadlock in the first half.
His inspired performance went down a storm with fans online, who praised his heroics in keeping Mansfield out.
Parkinson full of praise for his goalkeeper after the game
Phil Parkinson heaped praise on his goalkeeper after the game, who will surely keep his place heading into the weekend’s game with Crawley.
“[In the first half] Probably our quality let us down, we weren’t quite slick enough in possession,” Parkinson said. “But even then, when you’re not at your best, you’ve got to stand strong.
“The goalkeeper’s made some great saves. We got some great blocks in and defended set plays well to get us in at half time at 0-0 with a great chance to go on and win the game.
“I thought in the second half we showed a lot more quality in our play but still showed that steeliness.
“We stood strong as a team and it’s a really important clean sheet.”
The Reds remain ninth in the table, six points behind leaders Notts County.