Wrexham keeper Arthur Okonkwo chases a special hundred game milestone in a Wrexham shirt against Preston North End in tomorrow’s 24th Championship matchday.
Just like any other game, Wrexham’s 5-3 win over Sheffield had its heroes and villains. What made this game special was a full-throttle performance from every single player, whether they played the hero or a villain.
Now, as the game ratings read out loud, there’s no need to call out anyone or throw an individual under the bus. I simply insist the defence’s abnormally low scores paint a story that most Wrexham fans have turned a blind eye to.
Conceding 3 goals within the 1st quarter, out of which 2 came from the exact Seriki->Bamford sequence, is no coincidence. And here I lose, being forced to name the liable pair of Dom Hyam & Okonkwo, though I promised not to.
If you remember from the Swansea defeat proceedings, it’s been consecutive games where the duo has been at fault. Probably, the only change happened is how the fault share has tilted from Okonkwo to Hyam this time.
Lacking help from his partners(particularly Thomason), Hyam couldn’t block either of Seriki’s crosses that fed Bamford an early brace. Still, guess who was impacted more? Wrexham and Arthur Okonkwo, given that a goal conceded is a keeper’s metric more than a defender’s liability.
Worryingly, this recorded yet another instance where Okonkwo’s game report read more than a couple of goals. Having made it 4 games in a row now, the 24-year-old has seen 9 shots end up in the net in the last games.
And lo! The keeper has his worst run dreaded on the tip of a memorable Wrexham milestone.
Arthur Okonkwo nears special milestone
That’s because the Boxing Day game was appearance number 99 for Okonkwo, and given he started expectantly against Preston, it could be his 100th game for the Red Dragons.
Recently, fan Craig Jones made everyone remember the keeper’s upcoming big day, on X, saying: “Arthur will join the elite group of goalkeepers to make 100 appearances for Wrexham when he steps out on Monday against Preston.”
Previously, a feat achieved by club legends like Brian Lloyd & fan-favourite Andy Marriott, Okonkwo will be one of the rare modern-day Wrexham keepers to achieve this club feat.
To put how special it is, only 4 other current Wrexham squad players, Captain James McClean, Elliot Lee, Ryan Barnett and homegrown star Max Cleworth, possess over 100 club appearances.
What to expect for Okonkwo’s 100th Wrexham appearance?
Psychologically, it’s normal for Okonkwo to be anxiously excited for his milestone appearance at the Racecourse. Guarding the club’s goal for the 100th time, the 24-year-old would expect a perfect performance from himself.
Well, the game’s result remains in the future, but Okonkwo must feel blessed to see the opponent.
That’s because, despite sitting in the playoff zone, Preston’s recent performances don’t complement their status. Having dropped points in multiple encounters, PNE’s just living away from an ‘L’ on their form sheet.
A point worth noting, the Lilywhites have only scored 2+ goals once in their last five games. And don’t discard it as an aberrational observation, given PNE’s season has been quite underwhelming in the goals metric as compared to other playoff contenders.
Having netted only 30 times so far, even mid-table sides like Wrexham easily overpower Preston in this aspect. Hopefully, if the trend continues, Okonkwo ought to spend a relaxed, boring night in Wrexham’s goal.
Agreed, Osmajic’s timely return would keep the contest alive, but let’s hope Hyam and Okonkwo’s duo click one last time this year to keep the PNE forward quiet.
In all honesty, a clean sheet would be the perfect milestone gift from Okonkwo to the fans. Let’s hope the keeper parcels it to the fans as an advance New Year’s present.
