Macron Player and Reusch Goalkeeper of the Month Awards - April 2017
Tue 9th May 2017 | League Awards | By Ian Templeman
MACRON PLAYER OF THE MONTH AWARDS
PREMIER DIVISION - DECLAN FLETCHER OF CONGLETON TOWN
Once again, Declan showed terrific form during April, and earned four man of the match nominations in the six games played, the first of those in the 1-0 home defeat against Ashton Athletic.
This was a game of few chances, but the Bears’ threat came in the main from Declan as his presence often saw Ashton deploy multiple defenders to successfully keep him off the scoresheet. His ability to get past defenders with upper body strength and a deceptive turn of pace were a continual worry to his opponents.
After a couple of efforts that were put wide, it seemed he had earned the Bears their best chance when two defenders combined to stop him going between them but despite being felled, the referee felt it was not worthy of a penalty.
The next match was a 1-1 draw at Squires Gate, and although he didn’t secure a man of the match nomination there, he did outjump the Gate 'keeper to score the Bears’ goal. He also was unlucky with two other opportunities during the game.
Next came the 1-2 home defeat by Irlam, in which the Bears made the brighter start. Declan was again prominent, firing over the bar from the right side of the area after a driving run on the right, and then being denied by 'keeper White twice in the first half for an equalising goal. The match ended in defeat, but another m.o.m. nomination followed.
In the 3-1 defeat at West Didsbury & Chorlton, Declan failed to score and get a m.o.m nomination but he still posed the biggest threat to an in form West side. He set up Brian Matthews with a sublime touch that dropped the ball behind the home defence but Matthews could not convert, and then came close late on with a shot that whistled over the bar.
Declan ended the month with a further two m.o.m nominations as the Bears ended with two wins to end the season. At Nelson, Declan was again the nuisance that defenders do not like. He powered his way down the right but saw his shot hit the side netting and had two other chances from angles that were too narrow to really trouble the 'keeper. He was also a capable provider crossing low for Matthews who just failed to get the finishing touch but a 3-0 win was well deserved.
Finally, the last match of the season summed up Declan's credentials. He scored two contrasting goals, the first a terrific header into the top corner from a deep cross and the second saw the 'keeper block his shot but unable to stop his sharp reactions to prod the loose ball over the line. That was after he had squandered an easier chance when put through by Gardner.
Once again, his presence had posed the Abbey Hey defence problems all match and his nomination as m.o.m rounded off a great day for the Bears with the 6-1 victory. It marked Declan's 50th goal for the club and an impressive 15 m.o.m nominations over the 42 league matches played.
DIVISION ONE - MALAKI NORFORD OF ECCLESHALL
Malaki joined Eccleshall in January and in the matches he has been available, he has shown to be a very special talent.
Only 18 years of age, he is a skilful player with an ability to turn a defender, with sharpness to beat him to the ball.
During April he played in four games and won the man of the match nomination in three of those, the games against Silsden, Prestwich Heys and Holker Old Boys, with the latter game being particularly important as the team earned a vital point.
His performances during the month showed that he is going to be a big asset to the team in future.
REUSCH GOALKEEPER OF THE MONTH AWARDS
PREMIER DIVISION - ADAM REID OF ATHERTON COLLIERIES
In only his first season in the Hallmark Security League, Adam has been pivotal to Colls success in winning the Premier Division. He has kept 14 clean sheets in the league this season including a run of five on the bounce. His three clean sheets during the historic FA Vase run took Colls to the last 16 including an incredible save after only 1 minute at Shildon where Colls went on to win 4-1.
At only 22 years of age he has really set the benchmark this season, conceding less than a goal a game 39 in total and missing only two league games all season, which was a result of injury. He has been a consistent performer making crucial saves in vital parts of the game throughout the campaign.
Adam has already won two Goalkeeper of the Month awards throughout the year and has been a major part of a side which boasts the best defensive record in the League.
In the month of April, Adam once again showed a high level of consistency, conceding an average of less than a goal a game to help secure Atherton Collieries the Hallmark Security League Premier Division crown.
As has been the case throughout the season, Adam's performances in April were instrumental to the Colls’ success. After a disappointing start to the month against Runcorn Linnets in a top of the table clash, Adam made crucial saves at vital times to ensure Colls bounced back and won four straight games by 2-1 scorelines, three of the games being away from home and very difficult places to go in Barnoldswick, AFC Liverpool and 1874 Northwich.
In the home game against Winsford United, Adam took a real battering in a very physical encounter but held his nerve to make five or six crucial saves and earn his side a massive three points.
In the reverse fixture against Winsford away, Adam made a superb save to tip a short range effort around the post at 0-0. He went on to preserve his clean sheet and another clean sheet on the following Monday against Abbey Hey secured 14 for the season and the Premier Division title for Colls.
Adam looked destined for another clean sheet against Runcorn Town until the last two minutes saw the visitors equalise and pinch the winner with two goals in injury time.
DIVISION ONE - RICHIE MOTTRAM OF WIDNES
Richie returned to cover regular keeper Owen Wheeler who was away in America, and played in 5 games during April, in which the team all the games and Richie kept four clean sheets in the process.
Once again, his contribution in his attacking ability was evident in all games. His kicking was prevalent in starting many of the attacks, either short or long and although not overworked in many of the games, his contributions in the St Helens and Silsden games were significant in that he made great saves with the scoreline at 0-0 in both games at the time.
His handling was also impeccable and his all-round contribution to the quality of the team results was significant throughout the month, which ended with the club clinching the Hallmark Security League Division One title with a game to spare in the final week.
Macron Player and Reusch Goalkeeper of the Month Awards - April 2017
Tue 9th May 2017 | League Awards
By Ian Templeman
MACRON PLAYER OF THE MONTH AWARDS
PREMIER DIVISION - DECLAN FLETCHER OF CONGLETON TOWN
Once again, Declan showed terrific form during April, and earned four man of the match nominations in the six games played, the first of those in the 1-0 home defeat against Ashton Athletic.
This was a game of few chances, but the Bears’ threat came in the main from Declan as his presence often saw Ashton deploy multiple defenders to successfully keep him off the scoresheet. His ability to get past defenders with upper body strength and a deceptive turn of pace were a continual worry to his opponents.
After a couple of efforts that were put wide, it seemed he had earned the Bears their best chance when two defenders combined to stop him going between them but despite being felled, the referee felt it was not worthy of a penalty.
The next match was a 1-1 draw at Squires Gate, and although he didn’t secure a man of the match nomination there, he did outjump the Gate 'keeper to score the Bears’ goal. He also was unlucky with two other opportunities during the game.
Next came the 1-2 home defeat by Irlam, in which the Bears made the brighter start. Declan was again prominent, firing over the bar from the right side of the area after a driving run on the right, and then being denied by 'keeper White twice in the first half for an equalising goal. The match ended in defeat, but another m.o.m. nomination followed.
In the 3-1 defeat at West Didsbury & Chorlton, Declan failed to score and get a m.o.m nomination but he still posed the biggest threat to an in form West side. He set up Brian Matthews with a sublime touch that dropped the ball behind the home defence but Matthews could not convert, and then came close late on with a shot that whistled over the bar.
Declan ended the month with a further two m.o.m nominations as the Bears ended with two wins to end the season. At Nelson, Declan was again the nuisance that defenders do not like. He powered his way down the right but saw his shot hit the side netting and had two other chances from angles that were too narrow to really trouble the 'keeper. He was also a capable provider crossing low for Matthews who just failed to get the finishing touch but a 3-0 win was well deserved.
Finally, the last match of the season summed up Declan's credentials. He scored two contrasting goals, the first a terrific header into the top corner from a deep cross and the second saw the 'keeper block his shot but unable to stop his sharp reactions to prod the loose ball over the line. That was after he had squandered an easier chance when put through by Gardner.
Once again, his presence had posed the Abbey Hey defence problems all match and his nomination as m.o.m rounded off a great day for the Bears with the 6-1 victory. It marked Declan's 50th goal for the club and an impressive 15 m.o.m nominations over the 42 league matches played.
DIVISION ONE - MALAKI NORFORD OF ECCLESHALL
Malaki joined Eccleshall in January and in the matches he has been available, he has shown to be a very special talent.
Only 18 years of age, he is a skilful player with an ability to turn a defender, with sharpness to beat him to the ball.
During April he played in four games and won the man of the match nomination in three of those, the games against Silsden, Prestwich Heys and Holker Old Boys, with the latter game being particularly important as the team earned a vital point.
His performances during the month showed that he is going to be a big asset to the team in future.
REUSCH GOALKEEPER OF THE MONTH AWARDS
PREMIER DIVISION - ADAM REID OF ATHERTON COLLIERIES
In only his first season in the Hallmark Security League, Adam has been pivotal to Colls success in winning the Premier Division. He has kept 14 clean sheets in the league this season including a run of five on the bounce. His three clean sheets during the historic FA Vase run took Colls to the last 16 including an incredible save after only 1 minute at Shildon where Colls went on to win 4-1.
At only 22 years of age he has really set the benchmark this season, conceding less than a goal a game 39 in total and missing only two league games all season, which was a result of injury. He has been a consistent performer making crucial saves in vital parts of the game throughout the campaign.
Adam has already won two Goalkeeper of the Month awards throughout the year and has been a major part of a side which boasts the best defensive record in the League.
In the month of April, Adam once again showed a high level of consistency, conceding an average of less than a goal a game to help secure Atherton Collieries the Hallmark Security League Premier Division crown.
As has been the case throughout the season, Adam's performances in April were instrumental to the Colls’ success. After a disappointing start to the month against Runcorn Linnets in a top of the table clash, Adam made crucial saves at vital times to ensure Colls bounced back and won four straight games by 2-1 scorelines, three of the games being away from home and very difficult places to go in Barnoldswick, AFC Liverpool and 1874 Northwich.
In the home game against Winsford United, Adam took a real battering in a very physical encounter but held his nerve to make five or six crucial saves and earn his side a massive three points.
In the reverse fixture against Winsford away, Adam made a superb save to tip a short range effort around the post at 0-0. He went on to preserve his clean sheet and another clean sheet on the following Monday against Abbey Hey secured 14 for the season and the Premier Division title for Colls.
Adam looked destined for another clean sheet against Runcorn Town until the last two minutes saw the visitors equalise and pinch the winner with two goals in injury time.
DIVISION ONE - RICHIE MOTTRAM OF WIDNES
Richie returned to cover regular keeper Owen Wheeler who was away in America, and played in 5 games during April, in which the team all the games and Richie kept four clean sheets in the process.
Once again, his contribution in his attacking ability was evident in all games. His kicking was prevalent in starting many of the attacks, either short or long and although not overworked in many of the games, his contributions in the St Helens and Silsden games were significant in that he made great saves with the scoreline at 0-0 in both games at the time.
His handling was also impeccable and his all-round contribution to the quality of the team results was significant throughout the month, which ended with the club clinching the Hallmark Security League Division One title with a game to spare in the final week.
