Boss Phil Parkinson was full of praise for his team’s defending in their 0-0 draw with Mansfield on Tuesday. It was a much-needed clean sheet for the Reds who will be looking to build on the result.
Wrexham claimed a much-deserved point on Tuesday night against an in-form Mansfield. Wrexham managed to hold out for the goalless draw coming off the back of a 5-0 defeat to Stockport and a last gasp 3-3 draw with Crewe Alexandra. The Reds have struggled defensively all season long, but Phil Parkinson was delighted with his team’s solidness in midweek.
Arthur Okonkwo shining light in Wrexham’s backline
Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo was the undoubted star of the show on Tuesday as he pulled off a number of impressive saves to keep the score level.
The 6ft 6in Arsenal loanee made stunning saves to deny Aaron Lewis and Ollie Clarke at the One Call Stadium.
After Ben Foster’s recent retirement and the uncertainty around the goalkeeper position over the past few weeks, it seems as though Wrexham have finally found their No.1.
It was an impressive clean sheet in a tough away game
It’s no secret that Wrexham have one of the leakiest defences in the league. They conceded five on the opening day to MK Dons, five against Stockport recently and three against Crewe.
In fact, they have the leakiest defence in the league, conceding 23 goals so far this season, more than any other team.
Scoring goals has not been a problem at all – they have netted 23 times this season in the league – and Phil Parkinson knows that if they’re to have any chance of promotion they need to tighten up at the back.
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Phil Parkinson delighted with Wrexham’s resolute defending in 0-0 draw with Mansfield
That’s why the manager was delighted with the 0-0 draw against Mansfield, as his side managed to keep a clean sheet in a tough away fixture.
“Our quality let us down on the ball, we weren’t quite slick enough in possession,” he said after the game. “There are reasons for that or credit to the opposition who were really right on top of the game.
“When you’re not at your best you then have to stand strong and our keeper made some great saves and we got some great blocks in. We defended set plays as well to get us in 0-0 at half-time with a great chance to go on and win the game. We had to stay in the game.
“Second half I thought we showed a lot more quality in our play while still the steeliness we needed in our defending tonight.
“It is a really important clean sheet as last time away from home we conceded goals.”
Next up for the Reds is another tough away fixture – this time away at second-place Crawley on Saturday afternoon.