Player And Goalkeeper Of The Month Awards For April
Wed 8th May 2013 | League Awards | By Ian Templeman
PLAYER OF THE MONTH AWARDS
PREMIER DIVISION - MICHAEL SIMPSON OF RUNCORN LINNETS
It is a very rare occurrence at The Millbank Linnets Stadium for a player to receive unanimous nominations for Player Of The Month from management, officials and fans offering an opinion, and that is a tribute to the effort and skill attained throughout the month, and indeed the season overall by Michael Simpson.
If a set of performances typified everything that manager Joey Dunn would be looking for, then Simpson's April endeavours certainly ticked all the boxes required.
From his September debut throughout the campaign, Michael has matured as a player, and grown in stature, whether in a defensive role or leading an attacking midfield option that has seen him marauding into the opposition half throughout the season. Such is the player that he can fill a number of roles in a given formation naturally, without ever looking to be in the wrong position.
During April, his effort and work-rate was typified none more than in the defeat of Bacup Borough, when Simpson blocked a strike from Tommy Turner and popped up moments later to grab himself another goal from defence. Against Stone Dominoes, Simpson turned provider, setting up Adam Wade's sublime finish with a pin perfect cross, before earning a penalty that sealed the three points. As the month wore on and Simpson continued his midfield role, he was thwarted on numerous occasions by Wigan Robin Park stopper Jay Foulds in the game against the Robins.
When towards the end of the month, with The Linnets obviously having one eye on their forthcoming League Challenge Cup Final, it was Michael's tireless running, committment, and tracking back that shone in the lack-lustre performances against AFC Liverpool and Glossop North End.
Michael has evolved throughout the campaign from squad member to first team regular, giving the kind of selection headache relished by any manager at any level. His goals have also chipped in with regularity, and he fully deserves his Linnets Player Of The Month award for April.
DIVISION ONE - STEVE ROTHWELL OF ATHERTON COLLIERIES
Colls went into April knowing that their quest to finish in the top two in Division One was always going to be unlikely but the remit set by manager Steve Pilling was to finish as high as possible. Colls played seven games in April and Steve Rothwell played in six of the games. He is the leader of the defence, with experience in the game no other player in the league will match. In the games Steve played, Colls won five and lost one just missing out on 3rd place.
Steve marshalled an in-form defence well and two clean sheets were kept. However Steve isn't just a defender, he scored two vital goals that enabled the club to go on a good run of results. He equalised against Daisy Hill and then hit an howitzer of a shot following a setpiece at Rochdale Town to give the club a lead that seemed unlikely to come. The Town keeper even said remarked "you don't save them". Steve was awarded the man of the match at the game.
Steve is a model player who has the respect of everybody at the club and has announced his retirement at the ripe old age of 44. How long the retirement lasts, only Steve knows. He has been an inspiration in an inspirational month for the club, and he fully deserves the nomination.
GOALKEEPER OF THE MONTH AWARDS - SPONSORED BY REUSCH
PREMIER DIVISION - ANDREW JONES OF WINSFORD UNITED
In the two seasons that Andrew has been Winsford’s regular goalkeeper, his advancement has been a revelation. From a great shot-stopper who sometimes gave the supporters and his team mates some anxious moments, he has developed into a fine all round custodian who instils confidence in the rest of the defence.
His anticipation and reading of the game has also been a great asset, with his vociferous instructions to his defenders significant in launching the quick-fire attacks for which the team has become noted.
His performances in April were outstanding with only nine goals conceded in nine games, and his form was certainly one of the main reasons why Winsford had a realistic chance of finishing in the runners-up spot right up to their final game.
DIVISION ONE - JON McILWAINE OF ABBEY HEY
Jon was outstanding yet again throughout April, with another four clean sheets taking his total for the season to 19. In particular, Jon's composure and handling of the ball was crucial in Abbey's 2-0 victory against goal machine Formby away.
Further clean sheets were to come away to Ashton Town where he won the man of the match award and Leek away, with a final clean sheet at home to Eccleshall. Jon has worked so hard this season to improve his game to the next level, and the club's Goalkeeper coach Phil Jackson is made up with his application and dedication to the cause.
Perhaps the most fitting end to the month of April for Jon was to be named in the BBC Radio Manchester North West Non-League Team of the Season, which is a fantastic compliment to both Jon and Abbey Hey. The team was largely made up of players from a much higher level of non-league football, so for John to be recognised was really special.
RESERVE DIVISION - LEE LAMBERT OF IRLAM
Lee is the captain of the Irlam reserve side and is a natural leader who leads by example, conceding fewer goals than any other keeper in the Reserve Division this season.
Lee has made some exceptional saves for Irlam reserves throughout the campaign, and during April he made vital saves at Silsden away, Nelson away and against Darwen at home, that helped to keep the team in contention for the Reserve Division title untril late in the season.
Off the field, Lee signed up for a bone marrow donor scheme 12 months ago, and when a match was found a month ago, he made the trip to London to donate - a truly remarkable lad who is worthy of recognition.
Player And Goalkeeper Of The Month Awards For April
Wed 8th May 2013 | League Awards
By Ian Templeman
PLAYER OF THE MONTH AWARDS
PREMIER DIVISION - MICHAEL SIMPSON OF RUNCORN LINNETS
It is a very rare occurrence at The Millbank Linnets Stadium for a player to receive unanimous nominations for Player Of The Month from management, officials and fans offering an opinion, and that is a tribute to the effort and skill attained throughout the month, and indeed the season overall by Michael Simpson.
If a set of performances typified everything that manager Joey Dunn would be looking for, then Simpson's April endeavours certainly ticked all the boxes required.
From his September debut throughout the campaign, Michael has matured as a player, and grown in stature, whether in a defensive role or leading an attacking midfield option that has seen him marauding into the opposition half throughout the season. Such is the player that he can fill a number of roles in a given formation naturally, without ever looking to be in the wrong position.
During April, his effort and work-rate was typified none more than in the defeat of Bacup Borough, when Simpson blocked a strike from Tommy Turner and popped up moments later to grab himself another goal from defence. Against Stone Dominoes, Simpson turned provider, setting up Adam Wade's sublime finish with a pin perfect cross, before earning a penalty that sealed the three points. As the month wore on and Simpson continued his midfield role, he was thwarted on numerous occasions by Wigan Robin Park stopper Jay Foulds in the game against the Robins.
When towards the end of the month, with The Linnets obviously having one eye on their forthcoming League Challenge Cup Final, it was Michael's tireless running, committment, and tracking back that shone in the lack-lustre performances against AFC Liverpool and Glossop North End.
Michael has evolved throughout the campaign from squad member to first team regular, giving the kind of selection headache relished by any manager at any level. His goals have also chipped in with regularity, and he fully deserves his Linnets Player Of The Month award for April.
DIVISION ONE - STEVE ROTHWELL OF ATHERTON COLLIERIES
Colls went into April knowing that their quest to finish in the top two in Division One was always going to be unlikely but the remit set by manager Steve Pilling was to finish as high as possible. Colls played seven games in April and Steve Rothwell played in six of the games. He is the leader of the defence, with experience in the game no other player in the league will match. In the games Steve played, Colls won five and lost one just missing out on 3rd place.
Steve marshalled an in-form defence well and two clean sheets were kept. However Steve isn't just a defender, he scored two vital goals that enabled the club to go on a good run of results. He equalised against Daisy Hill and then hit an howitzer of a shot following a setpiece at Rochdale Town to give the club a lead that seemed unlikely to come. The Town keeper even said remarked "you don't save them". Steve was awarded the man of the match at the game.
Steve is a model player who has the respect of everybody at the club and has announced his retirement at the ripe old age of 44. How long the retirement lasts, only Steve knows. He has been an inspiration in an inspirational month for the club, and he fully deserves the nomination.
GOALKEEPER OF THE MONTH AWARDS - SPONSORED BY REUSCH
PREMIER DIVISION - ANDREW JONES OF WINSFORD UNITED
In the two seasons that Andrew has been Winsford’s regular goalkeeper, his advancement has been a revelation. From a great shot-stopper who sometimes gave the supporters and his team mates some anxious moments, he has developed into a fine all round custodian who instils confidence in the rest of the defence.
His anticipation and reading of the game has also been a great asset, with his vociferous instructions to his defenders significant in launching the quick-fire attacks for which the team has become noted.
His performances in April were outstanding with only nine goals conceded in nine games, and his form was certainly one of the main reasons why Winsford had a realistic chance of finishing in the runners-up spot right up to their final game.
DIVISION ONE - JON McILWAINE OF ABBEY HEY
Jon was outstanding yet again throughout April, with another four clean sheets taking his total for the season to 19. In particular, Jon's composure and handling of the ball was crucial in Abbey's 2-0 victory against goal machine Formby away.
Further clean sheets were to come away to Ashton Town where he won the man of the match award and Leek away, with a final clean sheet at home to Eccleshall. Jon has worked so hard this season to improve his game to the next level, and the club's Goalkeeper coach Phil Jackson is made up with his application and dedication to the cause.
Perhaps the most fitting end to the month of April for Jon was to be named in the BBC Radio Manchester North West Non-League Team of the Season, which is a fantastic compliment to both Jon and Abbey Hey. The team was largely made up of players from a much higher level of non-league football, so for John to be recognised was really special.
RESERVE DIVISION - LEE LAMBERT OF IRLAM
Lee is the captain of the Irlam reserve side and is a natural leader who leads by example, conceding fewer goals than any other keeper in the Reserve Division this season.
Lee has made some exceptional saves for Irlam reserves throughout the campaign, and during April he made vital saves at Silsden away, Nelson away and against Darwen at home, that helped to keep the team in contention for the Reserve Division title untril late in the season.
Off the field, Lee signed up for a bone marrow donor scheme 12 months ago, and when a match was found a month ago, he made the trip to London to donate - a truly remarkable lad who is worthy of recognition.
