Bradford's Andy Cook went from villain to hero as the veteran striker put in a late winner moments after having a penalty saved by Arthur Okonkwo.
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Andy Cook scores late winner for BradfordOkonkwo saved Cook penalty earlier in gameWrexham lose again in hunt for promotionTELL ME MORE
Cook, invigorated by his saved penalty, stormed through the Wrexham defence to power a shot at Okonkwo in the Wrexham goal. The Red Dragons keeper did enough to keep the ball out, but could only parry back into the Bradford forward's path and his rebound found the back of the net.
The late blow will be devastating for the Red Dragons who have now lost three League Two games in a row. Phil Parkinson's side were looking to capitalise on Bradford's mixed form of late to lift them closer to the automatic promotion places but will be left ruing several missed chances.
Wrexham began the game well, controlling most of the ball and creating several chances for strike duo Paul Mullin and Steven Fletcher. However, neither of the high-profile strikers could find a way past the impressive Sam Walker.
With both Walker and Okonkwo in top form and neither side looking likely to score, a stalemate appeared likely. At least until the final 10 minutes, when Bradford were awarded the penalty that was saved by Okonkwo's trailing legs and then the late Cook dagger silenced the Racecourse Ground.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE MVP
Little can split the performances of the two goalkeepers, with both Walker and Okonkwo deserving all the plaudits. However, it is hard to look past Okonkwo's impressive penalty save from Cook in the 83rd minute. The Bradford striker hit the spot-kick low and central and looked to have sent the Arsenal loanee, diving to his right, the wrong way. However, an outstretched leg was flicked out to save Cook's effort and keep the scores level. Bouncing back from a run of poor performances, Okonkwo will be frustrated his team-mates could not reward his performance with three points.
GettyTHE BIG LOSER
Paul Mullin had an uncharacteristically quiet day as the striker failed to record a single shot on target all afternoon. Mullin, who has so often been the talisman for the Red Dragons, offered little in front of goal and struggled to impose himself on the game – eventually being substituted in the 81st minute. The 29-year-old has now gone four successive games without a goal and Wrexham have suffered as a result, losing each one.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's team will turn their attentions to their clash with Sutton United on Tuesday. Sutton currently languish in 23rd spot, seven points adrift of Colchester United and safety, and appear doomed for relegation to the National League. The Red Dragons will see the game as the perfect opportunity to respond to a tricky run and return to winning ways – failure to claim all three points, however, will no doubt set alarm bells ringing.