Resilient Wrexham AFC get thumbs up from Phil Parkinson after 0-0 draw at Mansfield
Source: Leaderlive

PHIL PARKINSON hailed his side's resilience after coping with Mansfield's first-half onslaught before improving after the break to earn a goalless draw.

The Stags, unbeaten in League Two this season, dominated the opening period at Field Mill and had chances to take the lead but Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo pulled off a number of brilliant saves.

Wrexham were more of an attacking threat after the break and created opportunities but neither side was able to make the breakthrough and it finished all-square, although Reds' boss Parkinson was far from disappointed with a point.

"Our quality on the ball let us down in the first half, we weren't quite slick enough in possession," said Parkinson.

"When you are not at your best on the ball, you have got to stand strong and I was pleased with the resilience we showed.

"The goalkeeper made some saves, we made some great blocks and defended set-plays well to get us in at half-time 0-0 and with a great chance to go on and try and win the game.

"Second half, we really took the game to them. We showed a lot more quality in our play and still retained the steeliness we needed defending a lot of the corners.

"We restricted them to shots from distance and looked like we could go and win it.

"We had the best chances to win the game in the second period."

Okonkwo, brought in on a season-long loan from Arsenal, made his first league appearance for Wrexham in Saturday's 3-3 draw with Crewe Alexandra and impressed Parkinson with his all-round performance at Mansfield.

"One save in particular sticks out in my mind," he said. "On a greasy surface, that save was of a high quality.

"It is good for Arthur to get his clean sheet for us.

"He made an amazing save at the weekend when it was 3-2 which was so important for us, giving us the opportunity to get back in the game.

"He made really important saves against Mansfield but all of his game was tidy and I was very pleased with him.

"I think everybody can see what he is about. He is a huge presence and a great character as well.

"He has really fitted in well with the lads which is so important."

Wrexham's last away game ended in a 5-0 drubbing at Stockport County and Parkinson welcomed the shut-out.

"It is a really important clean sheet," added the Reds' boss, whose side remain ninth in the table and six points behind leaders Notts County.

"You have got to remember, last time out away from home we conceded goals and it was important that we got our away form back in tact with a hard-working display."