Macron Player And Reusch Goalkeeper Of The Month Awards - August 2016

Wed 7th September 2016 | League Awards
By Ian Templeman

MACRON PLAYER OF THE MONTH AWARDS

PREMIER DIVISION – SAM HIND OF 1874 NORTHWICH

Sam played in seven of the Greens’ eight games in August, scoring five important and sometimes dramatic goals.  Sam settled into 1874 life very quickly and hit the ground running with an excellent first month.  He showed what a very hard working player he is, supporting and pushing his team on to a good first month in the League.

The first outing was straight into the FA Cup and a tricky tie against local Premier League rivals Barnton.  With a lot resting on this game, Sam was up for the challenge.  He was involved in the first goal, being fouled in a dangerous area after swinging the ball in on goal.  The resultant free kick was played in and was converted.  During the second half 1874 took control with Sam helping to drive the team on, his work rate was especially valued when we were reduced to ten men.

Sam truly made a name for himself in our second game against Cheshire rivals Congleton Town.  Sam’s stunning second half hat-trick, to drag the team back from two nil down, steered the team to victory.  He was alert for his first goal, pouncing on the keeper’s error to bundle the ball over the line. 

1874 drew level in the 74th minute, when Sam emerged from a pack of players to propel a corner into the back of the net.  Eight minutes later, a cross was delivered to the far post where he guided his header into the net to put 1874 in front and complete his first hat trick for the club.

After trailing to New Mills in the first ever meeting between the clubs, ‘74 rallied and drew level on the hour mark.  Sam broke away from his marker on the wing and using his pace to cut in from the left, he unleashed a dangerous cross which was converted by a team mate.  Hind was also involved in the winning goal, heading the ball in to the New Mills box for his team mate to lift the ball into the net. 

Next up was the FA Cup against last season’s Champions Colne and the team gave a good account of themselves against their Evo-Stik opponents but it was Sam who once again, grabbed the goals…and the headlines.  It was nearly a dream start when only 5 minutes in, Sam got the beating of the fullback to fire a dangerous cross in to the area, only for their keeper to parry the ball away. 

He then latched on to a great through ball to cut the ball back towards a team mate on for goal however a great interception and clearance averted the danger.  Into the second half and after neat play, a shot was fired on goal which cannoned off the post and straight to Sam who put the ball away at the back post to put the Greens 1-0 ahead.  

As the game wore on, the Greens found themselves two one down and were pushing for the equaliser.  With a couple of minutes to go, the ball was blocked on the Colne line but Sam was quick to react and turned it home at the back post to send the travelling supporters into pandemonium.

Sam returned to League action, following a slight injury niggle, and helped the team to put in a great performance and win against AFC Darwen.  Sam worked very hard to ensure that ’74 picked up maximum points and this was appreciated by the ’74 faithful who have already made him a firm favourite amongst the ranks.

The final game of an excellent month for 1874 saw a well-earned win at fancied Runcorn Town.  Again Hind asked many questions of his opponents, beating his marker a number of times to put in dangerous balls on goal and was a real driving force in the game.

August has been a terrific month for Sam.  His goals were important but his work ethic and all round support to the team has been outstanding and is a deserving winner of the Player of the Month award for August.   

DIVISION ONE – MICHAEL BOYLE OF LITHERLAND REMYCA

Michael signed for the club in the summer, having previously played at Maghull under manager Phil Stafford.

He is a quick and direct wide player who can play in the number 10 role, and with four goals in the first six games and three Man of the Match nominations, Michael has adapted quickly to life in the NWCFL.

His latest goal, a stunning 20 yard strike in off the underside of the bar against Stockport Town, shows he is capable of scoring great goals as well as the tap ins. He also scored the winner at Eccleshall when Remy were down to 10 men and the score at 1-1, and Michael was put clean through before rounding the keeper to slot home.

His all round play so far has been a joy to watch bringing other players into the game at all times, he is a great lad to have in the changing room and everyone at the club is hoping he will get more goals during the season.

 

REUSCH GOALKEEPER OF THE MONTH AWARDS

PREMIER DIVISION – GREG HALL OF 1874 NORTHWICH

Greg started the new campaign where he left off in April - dependable, strong, and with quality performances in each game. Greg played in all of 1874’s eight games in August and was a driving force in 1874 being named as Club of the Month. 

August started well for the team, securing an important FA Cup win against local rivals Barnton. In that game, Greg made a very uncharacteristic and rare error which enabled Barnton to draw level at half time.  That was all the motivation he needed and he came out all guns blazing in the rest of the games during the month.

The second game saw 1874 stage a fantastic come back at Cheshire rivals Congleton Town. Finding themselves two down, through a fantastic strike and a penalty where Hall had no chance with either, Greg started the fightback in the opening minutes of the second half by saving well to prevent the Bears attacker from scoring at point blank range.  He remained solid at the back, while 1874 scored four goals to cap a memorable night for the Greens.

The away trip to Squires Gate saw the team concede four goals. In truth, Gate scored a wonder goal and three other quality strikes, which any keeper would have struggled to defend.  Next up was the tricky FA Cup tie at last season’s Champions Colne and Greg was called upon in the second half, making smart saves to deny their attackers.  Greg needed to be at his best, not only because of the quality of the opponents but also because of the very difficult weather conditions, making handling and distribution very difficult.  But Greg spurred his team mates on to a deserved draw.  Colne run out the victors in the replay but in truth, the whole team did not defend well in the first half and didn’t give Greg much chance with the goals!

The month ended with two League games, six points and two clean sheets. Especially pleasing was the win at early pace setters Runcorn Town.  Greg needed to be at his best, he guarded the goal superbly in both matches, his handling and shot stopping was quality and this gave the whole team confidence to play well.

Greg showed his immense quality throughout August and was the rock at the back which spurred his team mates to what was a good opening month for the Greens. 

DIVISION ONE – BEN JUPP OF CHEADLE TOWN

19 year-old Ben joined Cheadle Town in the summer following a spell with FC United of Manchester last season. Ben is a local lad who lives only a stone’s throw away from Park Road Stadium, so it's especially nice to see a local lad playing for his local Football Club.

Ben has claimed the Number One jersey ahead of a number of more experienced keepers at the Club this season, and has kept his place in the side on merit and through his consistent performances during the month of August.

Ben was certainly given a baptism of fire for his debut game in the FA Cup at Penistone Church, and produced an excellent performance to help Cheadle Town progress to the next Round of the Competition.

The next Round of the FA Cup saw Ben face Evo-Stik League side Northwich Victoria and he wasn't fazed by the big crowd and high expectations on his shoulders as Cheadle Town looked to progress further in the competition. It would have been easier to opt for a more experienced keeper for these high profile fixtures for the Football Club, but to Ben's credit he produced two excellent performances to help the team progress to the Qualifying Rounds of the Competition.

In the League, one game that stands out during August was his Man of the Match performance against Chadderton. This was a game that Cheadle Town eventually claimed all points late in the game, but it was Ben's performance in that game that kept Cheadle Town in with a chance to steal the game from a battling Chadderton side. His display ultimately led the Chadderton committee to express their praise of this young keeper which denied them the points. Ben has certainly gained some great match experience during August, including the two high profile fixtures in the FA Cup, and if he continues in this current form, he will only go on and improve and can look forward to a bright future in the game.

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