Wrexham had to dig deep but managed to secure a 1-0 win against Bolton Wanderers at the Racecourse Ground to move into the EFL Trophy semi final.
Bolton manager Steven Schumacher aimed a subtle dig at Wrexham ahead of the clash and his side dominated the first half, Phil Parkinson’s side didn’t muster a single shot on target.
The game was changed in the second half when Andy Cannon produced a moment of brilliance by curling an effort from 25 yards into the bottom corner.
Wrexham fans were impressed with Lewis Brunt as the defence looked solid throughout the game but it was another player, who scored 7/10 in the Wrexham player ratings, that really caught the eye of the manager.
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Arthur Okonkwo proves he is Wrexham’s number one goalkeeper
Mark Howard started the last League One game away at Crawley Town and was solid enough in his performance. However, Arthur Okonkwo has shown in the last two EFL Trophy games that he is ready to be reinstated as Wrexham’s number one goalkeeper.
Parkinson rushed Okonkwo back into the team too early after the young keeper was side lined with a fractured wrist sustained at the beginning of November 2024.
Okonkwo initially struggled upon return to the team, most notably in the 3-2 defeat at home to Stevenage, where the two opening goals should have been dealt with better by the goalkeeper.
However, in the last two EFL Trophy ties, Okonkwo has looked back to his best by pulling off some vital saves and looking more commanding in his box.
There were still some shaky moments in both games, his distribution can be inaccurate at times and he flapped at a couple of crosses in the win over Bolton, however that is to be expected of such a young keeper.
Wrexham’s defence yet again pulled the team to victory
Wrexham boast the second best defence in League One behind Birmingham this season and it was their solidity at the back that really pulled them through the EFL Trophy quarter final.
Okonkwo made some stunning saves to keep the game at 0-0 in the first half and then Lewis Brunt and Dan Scarr in particular were instrumental in keeping Bolton at bay with a late onslaught.
In front of the back three, there were excellent performances from the goalscorer Cannon and George Evans has given Parkinson a selection headache with his tenacity in midfield.
Strikers win matches but defences win titles and if the Red Dragons are to achieve their ultimate goal of promotion this season, then more performances like Bolton will be required.