Macron Player and Reusch Goalkeeper of the Month Awards - September 2016
Thu 6th October 2016 | League Awards | By Ian Templeman
MACRON PLAYER OF THE MONTH AWARDS
PREMIER DIVISION - CRAIG CAIRNS OF RUNCORN TOWN
After just missing out on a Premier Division Player of the Month for August, Craig Cairns has continued his fine form into September with another great month for Runcorn Town.
The first game of the month at New Mills saw Craig terrorising the home defence. He had a goal disallowed for offside early on before setting up Kevin Exell for another disallowed effort. Only some great goalkeeping by Oliver Martin denied him a goal, one in the second half standing out in particular when he turned a goalbound effort around the post for a corner.
Four days later and a 4-1 defeat for Runcorn Town at West Didsbury and Chorlton. Nothing really went right on the night for Runcorn, despite Craig’s best efforts in trying to get things going from the front. He scored what proved a consolation in the second half when he hit a first time shot from 20-yards that beat the outstretched hand of Dean Williams, and his performance on the night won him a man of the match award.
An FA Vase tie against Winsford was up next with Craig in great form once more. Good work on the right hand side by Craig saw him square the ball for Kevin Exell to open the scoring, and he notched his 11th goal of the season himself when he converted a penalty at the start of the second half.
Craig was substituted with 15 minutes remaining with a game two days later in mind, and he repaid manager Chris Herbert’s decision with another good performance at Maine Road. Two more goals came against the Manchester side, the first from the spot after 20 minutes and the second a headed winning goal with two minutes remaining.
AFC Darwen was up next, with Craig winning yet another man-of-the-match award with another dominant display in a 3-1 win. He hit Runcorn’s opener in the seventh minute of the game with a tap in from a couple of yards out, and then got away before hitting a perfect cross for Dave Forbes to score. He also directly assisted Forbes’ second goal when he won possession off a defender and set his strike partner free before being unlucky not to get his own second after a fine solo run which saw him round the keeper with his shot rebounding off the post.
Another FA Vase tie followed with Craig unfortunate to come up against AFC Blackpool goalkeeper Callum Kirkland who was in inspired form on the day. Four times in the first half alone Kirkland pulled off stunning saves to deny him, and when he did finally beat the keeper, Ryan Vaughan was on hand to take the ball off him when he was about to shoot. It was one of those days!
The final match of the month came at home to Hanley Town, with Craig scoring a double to make it 7 goals in the month and 16 for the season. Joe Hemmings twice denied him in the first half but Craig scored within 20 seconds of the restart with a low, hard shot.
He then scored Runcorn’s third with 20 minutes remaining as he raced behind the defence and hit a low shot across Hemmings into the bottom corner, with his overall performance seeing him pick up his third man-of-the-match award of the month in this game.
DIVISION ONE - NATHAN NEEQUAYE OF STOCKPORT TOWN
Nathan returned to Stockport Town early in September following his decision to resume playing after originally retiring at the end of last season, and made an instant impact on his return scoring two goals in a game that Town beat AFC Blackpool 3-1.
In the next game, Town played Holker Old Boys and again Nathan scored, his pace and power looking a real threat all afternoon. In the next game against Eccleshall at home, Nathan contributed 4 goals with a fine all round display in Town's 7-1 victory.
In Town's next game they faced Alsager Town away in their first ever FA Vase game and although Nathan didn't score, he set two goals up and his all round display was superb in his side's 3-0 win.
Nathan rounded off the month by scoring two goals in the 4-0 home victory against Litherland REMYCA, the first a superb header to open the scoring.
It's no surprise that since Nathan's return, Town have won four games and drawn the other, with Nathan contributing an impressive tally of nine goals in five games.
REUSCH GOALKEEPER OF THE MONTH AWARDS
PREMIER DIVISION - TOM HUNT OF RUNCORN LINNETS
After a turbulent summer and an opening month of the season which focussed largely on recruitment and squad building, the form shown by Runcorn Linnets in September has been nothing short of remarkable.
As well as a settled back four and endeavour all across the park, a major contributing factor has been the form and enthusiasm shown by goalkeeper Tom Hunt.
Hunt made his debut in the Runcorn derby at Pavilions, which has proved to be his only loss in his trademark pink Linnets keeping kit.
Since then the team have gone on a terrific unbeaten run, and September saw the team win five out of their six games, the other being a creditable draw against 1874 Northwich, and in those six games, Tom only conceded three goals, and kept four clean sheets, whilst not conceding at all away from the Millbank Linnets Stadium.
The month started with the 4-2 defeat of Padiham, although Hunt could do nothing about either goal, a deflected shot, and an easy finish from a poor back-pass. Two important saves, and one in particular from a close range Dean effort, ensured all three points remained in Cheshire.
Tom had a relatively quiet evening at Barnton, with The Linnets running out comfortable 4-0 winners, albeit after Hunt had saved well from Vaughan early doors. In the dying minutes Hunt spectacularly saved a Steve Hughes penalty to preserve his and the teams clean sheet.
Against Abbey Hey, again the Linnets stopper had to work hard for his clean sheet, twice Hunt came flying off his line to deny the home side in one on one situations. A full length dive and tip onto the post was the best of a series of saves made as the hosts forced a series of six consecutive corners, huge praise was heaped on Tom after the game by the Linnets Faithful.
In the midweek game Hunt was again helpless to prevent 1874 Northwich taking a deserved lead, but was the major factor in stopping the visitors improving on the lead, before the Linnets were able to claw their way back into the game.
At Barnoldswick in the next game, the ‘keeper was rarely troubled, and was equal to everything thrown at him, and the month finished with another clean sheet as the Linnets snuffed out the threat of Atherton Collieries, with Hunt marshalling a defence at full stretch after the home side were reduced to nine men. The highlight of the performance was yet another full length dive to tip a shot around the post, as Hunt showed his athleticism at its finest.
The reaction of the player on each victorious full time has endeared him to the Runcorn fans, and it’s almost refreshing to see a player taking such delight in a winning performance. Tom has taken time to get to know the fans, and to his credit even spent a few moments during his warm-up to coach one of the Linnets youngsters on his goal-kicking technique, just one of the factors that have made him a firm favourite at the club. His enthusiasm, approach and performance levels have earned him Runcorn Linnets Player Of The Month award.
DIVISION ONE - JAROSLAW BITNER OF HOLKER OLD BOYS
Jaraslaw joined Holker in the first week of September from West Lancashire League side GSK Ulverston Rangers. He took the step up in his stride and collected 3 man of the match awards from the six league and one FA Vase game he played in.
Having lost four of the previous six games prior to him signing, Holker lost only two with Jaraslaw between the sticks.
His first game was against Alsager Town, with one of the highlights of his display being one acrobatic save diving backwards and pushing the ball over the bar. He also demonstrated to his new team mates his ability to sweep, coming out of his area on two occasions to prevent one on one goal chances .
He followed up his debut with his first clean sheet against Atherton LR, and as well as his sweeping ability being in evidence once again, he made a fine point blank save from a header in the second half.
Stockport away was the next game, and although beaten twice Jaraslaw made timely saves at important points in the game, one diving to his right and pushing round the post a good effort just before half time, and a second early in the second half saving with his feet after a deflection.
The next game away at Bacup resulted in a 2-0 loss for Holker 2-0, although neither of the goals were Jaraslaw's fault, and he followed that game with another man of the match performance at home to City of Liverpool. Early pressure saw him come off his line twice to clear dangerous situations, and one long range shot of note was pushed round the foot of his left hand post. He made several other saves that kept Holker in the game and could have been crucial given that Holker scored in the 80th minute and looked until the final whistle like they might salvage a point.
The last League game played in the month was at home to Carlisle City, which resulted in a 4-3 win for Holker 4-3, although without two point blank saves in the first half and a goal set up by Jaraslaw's quick distribution, things could have been different.
The FA Vase game against Birtley Town was the last game of the month, and yet again Jaraslaw's distribution and sweeping were excellent. In addition, one save in particular in the first half, diving to his right to turn over a long range shot heading for the top corner, was exceptional and ensured Holker went in at 1-1 at half time. The second half saw Jaraslow making several saves, the most notable being a near post block from close range.
His performances during the month have shown he is a magnificent shot stopper, he reads the game well and plays like a modern day sweeper keeper.
Still young, everyone at the club believes Jaraslaw has the ability to become one of the best keepers in the league.
Macron Player and Reusch Goalkeeper of the Month Awards - September 2016
Thu 6th October 2016 | League Awards
By Ian Templeman
MACRON PLAYER OF THE MONTH AWARDS
PREMIER DIVISION - CRAIG CAIRNS OF RUNCORN TOWN
After just missing out on a Premier Division Player of the Month for August, Craig Cairns has continued his fine form into September with another great month for Runcorn Town.
The first game of the month at New Mills saw Craig terrorising the home defence. He had a goal disallowed for offside early on before setting up Kevin Exell for another disallowed effort. Only some great goalkeeping by Oliver Martin denied him a goal, one in the second half standing out in particular when he turned a goalbound effort around the post for a corner.
Four days later and a 4-1 defeat for Runcorn Town at West Didsbury and Chorlton. Nothing really went right on the night for Runcorn, despite Craig’s best efforts in trying to get things going from the front. He scored what proved a consolation in the second half when he hit a first time shot from 20-yards that beat the outstretched hand of Dean Williams, and his performance on the night won him a man of the match award.
An FA Vase tie against Winsford was up next with Craig in great form once more. Good work on the right hand side by Craig saw him square the ball for Kevin Exell to open the scoring, and he notched his 11th goal of the season himself when he converted a penalty at the start of the second half.
Craig was substituted with 15 minutes remaining with a game two days later in mind, and he repaid manager Chris Herbert’s decision with another good performance at Maine Road. Two more goals came against the Manchester side, the first from the spot after 20 minutes and the second a headed winning goal with two minutes remaining.
AFC Darwen was up next, with Craig winning yet another man-of-the-match award with another dominant display in a 3-1 win. He hit Runcorn’s opener in the seventh minute of the game with a tap in from a couple of yards out, and then got away before hitting a perfect cross for Dave Forbes to score. He also directly assisted Forbes’ second goal when he won possession off a defender and set his strike partner free before being unlucky not to get his own second after a fine solo run which saw him round the keeper with his shot rebounding off the post.
Another FA Vase tie followed with Craig unfortunate to come up against AFC Blackpool goalkeeper Callum Kirkland who was in inspired form on the day. Four times in the first half alone Kirkland pulled off stunning saves to deny him, and when he did finally beat the keeper, Ryan Vaughan was on hand to take the ball off him when he was about to shoot. It was one of those days!
The final match of the month came at home to Hanley Town, with Craig scoring a double to make it 7 goals in the month and 16 for the season. Joe Hemmings twice denied him in the first half but Craig scored within 20 seconds of the restart with a low, hard shot.
He then scored Runcorn’s third with 20 minutes remaining as he raced behind the defence and hit a low shot across Hemmings into the bottom corner, with his overall performance seeing him pick up his third man-of-the-match award of the month in this game.
DIVISION ONE - NATHAN NEEQUAYE OF STOCKPORT TOWN
Nathan returned to Stockport Town early in September following his decision to resume playing after originally retiring at the end of last season, and made an instant impact on his return scoring two goals in a game that Town beat AFC Blackpool 3-1.
In the next game, Town played Holker Old Boys and again Nathan scored, his pace and power looking a real threat all afternoon. In the next game against Eccleshall at home, Nathan contributed 4 goals with a fine all round display in Town's 7-1 victory.
In Town's next game they faced Alsager Town away in their first ever FA Vase game and although Nathan didn't score, he set two goals up and his all round display was superb in his side's 3-0 win.
Nathan rounded off the month by scoring two goals in the 4-0 home victory against Litherland REMYCA, the first a superb header to open the scoring.
It's no surprise that since Nathan's return, Town have won four games and drawn the other, with Nathan contributing an impressive tally of nine goals in five games.
REUSCH GOALKEEPER OF THE MONTH AWARDS
PREMIER DIVISION - TOM HUNT OF RUNCORN LINNETS
After a turbulent summer and an opening month of the season which focussed largely on recruitment and squad building, the form shown by Runcorn Linnets in September has been nothing short of remarkable.
As well as a settled back four and endeavour all across the park, a major contributing factor has been the form and enthusiasm shown by goalkeeper Tom Hunt.
Hunt made his debut in the Runcorn derby at Pavilions, which has proved to be his only loss in his trademark pink Linnets keeping kit.
Since then the team have gone on a terrific unbeaten run, and September saw the team win five out of their six games, the other being a creditable draw against 1874 Northwich, and in those six games, Tom only conceded three goals, and kept four clean sheets, whilst not conceding at all away from the Millbank Linnets Stadium.
The month started with the 4-2 defeat of Padiham, although Hunt could do nothing about either goal, a deflected shot, and an easy finish from a poor back-pass. Two important saves, and one in particular from a close range Dean effort, ensured all three points remained in Cheshire.
Tom had a relatively quiet evening at Barnton, with The Linnets running out comfortable 4-0 winners, albeit after Hunt had saved well from Vaughan early doors. In the dying minutes Hunt spectacularly saved a Steve Hughes penalty to preserve his and the teams clean sheet.
Against Abbey Hey, again the Linnets stopper had to work hard for his clean sheet, twice Hunt came flying off his line to deny the home side in one on one situations. A full length dive and tip onto the post was the best of a series of saves made as the hosts forced a series of six consecutive corners, huge praise was heaped on Tom after the game by the Linnets Faithful.
In the midweek game Hunt was again helpless to prevent 1874 Northwich taking a deserved lead, but was the major factor in stopping the visitors improving on the lead, before the Linnets were able to claw their way back into the game.
At Barnoldswick in the next game, the ‘keeper was rarely troubled, and was equal to everything thrown at him, and the month finished with another clean sheet as the Linnets snuffed out the threat of Atherton Collieries, with Hunt marshalling a defence at full stretch after the home side were reduced to nine men. The highlight of the performance was yet another full length dive to tip a shot around the post, as Hunt showed his athleticism at its finest.
The reaction of the player on each victorious full time has endeared him to the Runcorn fans, and it’s almost refreshing to see a player taking such delight in a winning performance. Tom has taken time to get to know the fans, and to his credit even spent a few moments during his warm-up to coach one of the Linnets youngsters on his goal-kicking technique, just one of the factors that have made him a firm favourite at the club. His enthusiasm, approach and performance levels have earned him Runcorn Linnets Player Of The Month award.
DIVISION ONE - JAROSLAW BITNER OF HOLKER OLD BOYS
Jaraslaw joined Holker in the first week of September from West Lancashire League side GSK Ulverston Rangers. He took the step up in his stride and collected 3 man of the match awards from the six league and one FA Vase game he played in.
Having lost four of the previous six games prior to him signing, Holker lost only two with Jaraslaw between the sticks.
His first game was against Alsager Town, with one of the highlights of his display being one acrobatic save diving backwards and pushing the ball over the bar. He also demonstrated to his new team mates his ability to sweep, coming out of his area on two occasions to prevent one on one goal chances .
He followed up his debut with his first clean sheet against Atherton LR, and as well as his sweeping ability being in evidence once again, he made a fine point blank save from a header in the second half.
Stockport away was the next game, and although beaten twice Jaraslaw made timely saves at important points in the game, one diving to his right and pushing round the post a good effort just before half time, and a second early in the second half saving with his feet after a deflection.
The next game away at Bacup resulted in a 2-0 loss for Holker 2-0, although neither of the goals were Jaraslaw's fault, and he followed that game with another man of the match performance at home to City of Liverpool. Early pressure saw him come off his line twice to clear dangerous situations, and one long range shot of note was pushed round the foot of his left hand post. He made several other saves that kept Holker in the game and could have been crucial given that Holker scored in the 80th minute and looked until the final whistle like they might salvage a point.
The last League game played in the month was at home to Carlisle City, which resulted in a 4-3 win for Holker 4-3, although without two point blank saves in the first half and a goal set up by Jaraslaw's quick distribution, things could have been different.
The FA Vase game against Birtley Town was the last game of the month, and yet again Jaraslaw's distribution and sweeping were excellent. In addition, one save in particular in the first half, diving to his right to turn over a long range shot heading for the top corner, was exceptional and ensured Holker went in at 1-1 at half time. The second half saw Jaraslow making several saves, the most notable being a near post block from close range.
His performances during the month have shown he is a magnificent shot stopper, he reads the game well and plays like a modern day sweeper keeper.
Still young, everyone at the club believes Jaraslaw has the ability to become one of the best keepers in the league.
