Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson has heaped praise on goalkeeper Arthur Okonwko after an ‘immense’ display against Milton Keynes Dons.
We are reaching the crunch end of the season and Wrexham faced a potentially tricky trip to Stadium MK on Tuesday night.
Wins over Sutton United and Notts County had helped Wrexham gather some momentum and fans travelled in the hope of another win.
James McClean’s clever stooping header put Wrexham in front, but the lead lasted just a few minutes with Dan Kemp levelling it up for Milton Keynes.
Both sides had moments in an attempt to find a winner, but both also ended up a man short with Dean Lewington and Will Boyle sent off.
A crucial moment came in the dying seconds but Wrexham stopper Arthur Okonkwo stepped up to deny Joe Tomlinson from bagging a late winner.
Phil Parkinson hails Arthur Okonkwo
Okonkwo was quick off his line to get out and block Tomlinson’s shot from inside the six-yard box.
The Arsenal loanee had already produced one fine save to deny Alex Gilbey in the first half, pushing a low strike away from goal.
Okonkwo also tipped a long-range drive from Tomlinson onto the woodwork before the controversial moment arrived.
Okonkwo saved a Tomlinson strike but fumbled the ball onto his own leg with the ball trickling towards goal.
Wrexham’s stopper just about got back to keep the ball out, but MK Dons maintain that the ball crossed the line.
Okonkwo and Phil Parkinson won’t care too much as Wrexham secured an important point on the road.
Parkinson has though offered major praise for Okonkwo, hailing him on Wrexham’s official YouTube channel.
Parkinson felt that Okonkwo made ‘great saves’ to keep MK Dons at bay before branding his performance ‘immense’.
“We’re disappointed we haven’t won but Arthur has pulled off some great saves in the game as well,” said Parkinson. “Two good sides, another good game for the level and yeah, Arthur was immense for us,” he added.
Okonkwo has captured the hearts of Wrexham fans and a summer deal to keep him permanent would be welcomed.
Much will depend on what division Wrexham are playing in next season but with Okonkwo’s Arsenal deal coming to an end, Wrexham will have hope of keeping him for years to come.