ARTHUR OKONKWO declared himself "really happy" with his performance after producing a man of the match performance in Wrexham's hard-fought League Two clash against Mansfield Town.
The goalkeeper, brought in on a season-long loan from Arsenal, made his first league appearance for the Reds in Saturday's 3-3 draw at home to Crewe Alexandra and kept his place at Field Mill, making a series of vital saves in a first half dominated by Mansfield.
It kept Wrexham on level terms and after coming more into the game in the second period, Phil Parkinson's men left with a goalless draw.
Okonkwo celebrated his first clean sheet in the league for Wrexham - he enjoyed a shut-out in last month's 1-0 win over Newcastle United under 21s in the EFL Trophy on his Reds' debut - and it meant a lot to the 22-year-old.
"I am really happy," said Okonkwo.
"It is my first clean sheet for Wrexham in the league.
"We were defending quite a lot, I am happy and relieved that I could make those saves.
"I just want to contribute to the team as much as I can and help the team as much as I can."
Okonkwo had to bide his time before making a first league appearance but the 6'6" stopper understood why Parkinson didn't throw him in immediately.
"When I first arrived, the gaffer told he didn't want to rush me in too quickly," said Okonkwo.
"He wanted to make sure I was settled and got to know the team, and I completely understood it.
"I just need to keep performing now to keep my place.
"When you get that opportunity you have to do well."
Okonkwo was pleased with a point against Mansfield, who remain unbeaten in the league, but he is targeting victory at Crawley on Saturday.
"We knew it would be a difficult game with Mansfield unbeaten in the league," he added.
"It is not an easy place to play - nobody has beat them there - so we did well to get a point.
"We could have nicked it at the end but we are happy with the result.
"It will be a good game on Saturday, Crawley are up there so we need to go there, compete and do similar things; defend really well and just need that execution at the top end of the table.
"Hopefully we can get more goals."
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