PLAYER OF THE MONTH AWARDS

PREMIER DIVISION - CHRIS SMITH OF CONGLETON TOWN

September saw Bears striker Chris Smith hit form, and during the month when the team scored 23 goals and conceded just 8, and lost only once in eight games, Chris found the net 11 times. He scored two hat-tricks which moved him to the top of the Premier Division goalscorers table, and played with great confidence, which for strikers is a valuable asset.

Included among the goals was a picture book header from a diagonal cross against Wigan Robin Park that rocketed into the top corner and would have delighted Alan Shearer.

His cheeky flick to divert an Andy Alston shot into the Winterton Rangers net with the 'keeper wrong footed and an accurate 15-yard left footed shot against AFC Blackpool were evidence that he now has a variety of techniques to find the net. His front man role has also aided the rest of the side who benefitted from his presence and produced 12 other team goals.

Bears manager Jim Vince rewarded him with the offer of a contract, which he duly signed, to end a great month for the young striker.

DIVISION ONE - MARTIN PILKINGTON OF ABBEY HEY

Martin produced an outstanding month’s performances for Abbey Hey, in a period when the club won five games and only lost one, the FA Cup tie at FC Halifax Town.

As well as his goal scoring, Martin’s assists and all round play played a major part in the club’s good run of form in the league and their excellent performances in the FA Cup, and won several man of the match awards. In the FA Cup tie at Halifax he received the sponsor’s man of the match award, and was praised by Halifax manager Neil Aspin, who described his performance as outstanding.

Martin’s selfless attitude typifies the team spirit that Manager Barrie Walker has instilled into the team.

GOALKEEPER OF THE MONTH AWARDS – SPONSORED BY REUSCH

PREMIER DIVISION - MATT CONKIE OF CONGLETON TOWN

While his attacking colleagues went about their business scoring 19 times, Matt kept four clean sheets and conceded just six goals in the seven games he played during September.

His acrobatic saves and good reading of the game certainly earned a point in the 0-0 draw against Winsford United and his penalty save against Ashton Athletic had much to do with the Bears gaining maximum points in a narrow 3-2 win.

He inspires confidence behind a defence benefitting from his experience and ability, and he is a real character in the dressing room. He has a well earned reputation among non league clubs as an accomplished 'keeper, and although known for the occasional moment of madness when he fancies himself a Lionel Messi, he will always perform heroics between the sticks!

DIVISION ONE - STEPHEN PIGGOT OF CHEADLE TOWN

Stephen Piggott is one of the main reasons for Cheadle Town’s good start to the season. He has been an ever present, playing in all 13 of cup and league matches so far, and produced some excellent performances during September, when the team won six and drew the other of the seven games they played.

He has worked diligently on his weaknesses this season, and after two tremendous displays in FA Cup ties in August, he maintained that form in September, to consolidate his position as first choice keeper. His performances in all games this season have been top drawer and have brought solidity and confidence to the defence that was absent last season.

RESERVE DIVISION - JACOB LUTY OF GLOSSOP NORTH END

Jacob is a young goalkeeper playing in a very young Glossop North End Reserves side and had a fantastic month in his first games at Reserve level.

During the month, Glossop reserves won all three of their games, and Jacob kept clean sheets in two of those and only conceded one goal in the other. He has adapted his game very well, making many crucial saves and his timely and accurate distribution has been a huge benefit to the team’s forward play.

Jacob’s contribution has been instrumental in propelling GNE Reserves towards the top of the Reserves Division, in what is looking to be a very competitive Division this season. There is a lot of potential in this young man and many at the club believe his performances during September are just the start of great things to come from him.