Macron Player and Reusch Goalkeeper of the Month awards
Wed 7th February 2018 | League Awards | By Ian Templeman
MACRON PLAYER OF THE MONTH AWARDS
PREMIER DIVISION - FREDDIE POTTER OF RUNCORN LINNETS
January saw Freddie Potter rubber stamp his recovery from a long-term injury, by having a massive influence as Runcorn Linnets extended their winning run in The Hallmark Security League to 10 Premier Division games.
Freddie was already considered the comeback king at The Millbank Linnets Stadium on account of his return last season from a brief spell at AFC Liverpool.
But after getting himself in peak condition in time for the new campaign, and in its early weeks looking as sharp as he has ever been, the talismanic centre forward was hit by serious collar bone damage in an FA Cup tie defeat at Ashton Athletic.
A long and frustrating way back for the fans favourite was only complicated when he picked up another niggle early in his recuperation.
The double setback coincided with his colleagues in the club's striking department continuing their own fine form.
All this meant that Freddie had to bide his time and when he got out on to the field, frustrations were only exacerbated by wretched luck in front of goal, as he was regularly denied by good goalkeeping and the woodwork.
However, his recent scoring record has been on an upward curve with two goals in November being followed by four in December, including a Boxing Day derby double at Pavilions against Runcorn Town.
Despite Linnets manager Michael Ellison having an embarrassment of frontline riches with top scorer Stuart Wellstead, long-serving Mark Houghton and experienced former Conference North striker Mitch Bryant all vying for places, Freddie figured in all five January matches.
With such strength in depth, the manager has to a degree been able to make 'horses for courses' selections in attack but whether in the starting XI or coming off the bench, Freddie has been quick to make an impact.
Three starts plus two appearances as substitute yielded five goals during the month, taking his total to a very healthy 14 goals from 26 outings, including (because of injuries) just 11 starts. Not bad going at all!
Freddie is much more than a marksman, however, as he leads the line superbly - holding the ball up to set up play and chances for others, while troubling opposition defences with his ability in the air and on the floor.
His best efforts have included:
* A long-distance strike for the last and arguably the best of the Linnets' four unanswered goals at Winsford, after featuring prominently in the moves that brought the earlier three.
* The well-taken goal, which sealed a tough 3-1 fightback win at home to Congleton.
* An excellent hat-trick and opposition man-of-the-match vote against fellow title challengers Charnock Richard in an important Linnets win at the Millbank Linnets Stadium.
Of all the match day songs belted out by the Linnets fans, the one which pays homage to Freddie Potter is probably the most often heard.
The words say it all about what the ever popular player means to Runcorn Linnets.
'We love you Freddie!’
DIVISION ONE - SEAN GRIFFITHS OF WHITCHURCH ALPORT
Since joining the Club from Market Drayton Town, Sean has become an ever present and it’s no coincidence that Alport won all of the games he played in during the month.
His high energy second half display against Chadderton drove the team on to find the next gear, creating numerous chances and he had a hand in both the second and third goals.
At Silsden his energy levels were outstanding, carrying the ball with confidence, relentlessly chasing the ball down and attacking the heart of the home defence. Again, Sean played his part in both second half goals for Alport that secured a 2-1 win, forcing both comers that led to the equalising and winning goals.
It was his first half display that earned the plaudits in the home fixture against Bacup, running the game from midfield, orchestrating the majority of the play and picking up a deserved goal, when he popped up at the back post, heading in from close range from another comer he had forced.
He wasn’t done there though, as in the second hall his defensive qualities were on show, as Bacup tried to haul themselves back into the game, but Sean took the opportunity to demonstrate another side to his game as a real box to box midfielder.
REUSCH GOALKEEPER OF THE MONTH AWARDS
PREMIER DIVISION - GREG HALL OF 1874 NORTHWICH
1874 played six matches during the month, winning five with the only loss being to the very strong, Evo-stik Premier team Altrincham in the Cheshire Senior Cup.
Greg featured in five of the matches, playing a huge part in ensuring continued success in the League and FA Vase.
74 started the month in style, securing a 3-1 victory over Pontefract Collieries in the FA Vase. The opponents were a big, physical side and they started to launch early attacks on the 1874 goal with the greens needing to get into their stride.
Greg was on hand to steady the ship and keep any efforts at bay, gathering balls coming into his area well. In the second half, Ponte’s best player received the ball with his back to goal, and from outside the area hit a shot on the turn which was tipped around the post by a flying save from Hall.
The 1874 custodian, who had commanded his area all afternoon cleanly taking high balls under pressure, was unable to stop the visitors from equalising in the 69th minute when a free kick was struck out of his reach. However, Greg continued to stay strong and helped the team to create more history.
In the game against AFC Liverpool, Greg had to be on his toes when the Reds started to come more into the game, Hall comfortably dealt with a shot that was fired in. In an open entertaining game AFC Liverpool kept pushing forward in search of an equaliser and caused the 1874 rearguard a few anxious moments.
Their striker twice went close, first shooting narrowly wide and then drilling an angled shot towards 1874’s goal forcing Hall to turn the ball away for a corner. However overall, 1874 were the dominant team and deservedly picked up the three points on offer, but they were made to work hard by determined opponents.
Next up was an away tie at 1874’s ‘bogey ground’ Brantingham Road, home of Maine Road. Supporters were treated to a five goal thriller and saw the Greens extend their winning run of league games to seven, however they had to work for the victory.
Road gained the early advantage, scoring from a corner that Greg couldn’t do much about. Hall was on hand to stop long range shots and gathered everything that came to him comfortably, commanding his area well.
Towards the end of the game, Greg pulled off a good save to deny an attacker however he was unable to prevent the equaliser in the last minute of normal time, but 74 snatched the winner in stoppage time and a first ever win at the ground.
In the final game of the month against Northwich Victoria, Greg was called on early on when a shot was unleashed from distance. Flying through the air, Greg palmed the ball away and then quickly regaining his composure, to smother the follow up attempt from a forward.
The home side started the second half fairly well, and in the opening minutes of the half, Greg produced another top class save to beat away a long range effort. In the closing minutes, Hall saved well to cut out a dangerous low cross from a Vics full back, and overall Greg’s confident handling and distribution helped his side to a deserved three points.
Greg’s significant contribution during January helped to secure 74 progress in the Vase and more important league points, as the club tries hard to play catch up on games.
DIVISION ONE - MATTHEW JOHNSON OF ECCLESHALL
Another of the club’s young players, Matt has made the number 1 position his own since coming into the side in early October.
The first game of the month was a 6-0 reverse at league leaders Silsden, but despite the result Matt was awarded the opponents’ man of the match award, a reflection that the team’s second half performance when they conceded five goals was no fault of Matt’s.
He then played his part in the 3-0 win over FC Oswestry Town, making some fine saves and keeping a clean sheet in the process.
In the final game of the month, Matt again turned in a fine performance, this time against Cammell Laird 1907, standing firm in the second half when their late pressure in the game could have proved to have been a problem.
After a losing run of games, Matt made an important contribution in the team’s back to back wins again high flying teams in good form, and is a deserving recipient of the award for the second time this season.
Macron Player and Reusch Goalkeeper of the Month awards
Wed 7th February 2018 | League Awards
By Ian Templeman
MACRON PLAYER OF THE MONTH AWARDS
PREMIER DIVISION - FREDDIE POTTER OF RUNCORN LINNETS
January saw Freddie Potter rubber stamp his recovery from a long-term injury, by having a massive influence as Runcorn Linnets extended their winning run in The Hallmark Security League to 10 Premier Division games.
Freddie was already considered the comeback king at The Millbank Linnets Stadium on account of his return last season from a brief spell at AFC Liverpool.
But after getting himself in peak condition in time for the new campaign, and in its early weeks looking as sharp as he has ever been, the talismanic centre forward was hit by serious collar bone damage in an FA Cup tie defeat at Ashton Athletic.
A long and frustrating way back for the fans favourite was only complicated when he picked up another niggle early in his recuperation.
The double setback coincided with his colleagues in the club's striking department continuing their own fine form.
All this meant that Freddie had to bide his time and when he got out on to the field, frustrations were only exacerbated by wretched luck in front of goal, as he was regularly denied by good goalkeeping and the woodwork.
However, his recent scoring record has been on an upward curve with two goals in November being followed by four in December, including a Boxing Day derby double at Pavilions against Runcorn Town.
Despite Linnets manager Michael Ellison having an embarrassment of frontline riches with top scorer Stuart Wellstead, long-serving Mark Houghton and experienced former Conference North striker Mitch Bryant all vying for places, Freddie figured in all five January matches.
With such strength in depth, the manager has to a degree been able to make 'horses for courses' selections in attack but whether in the starting XI or coming off the bench, Freddie has been quick to make an impact.
Three starts plus two appearances as substitute yielded five goals during the month, taking his total to a very healthy 14 goals from 26 outings, including (because of injuries) just 11 starts. Not bad going at all!
Freddie is much more than a marksman, however, as he leads the line superbly - holding the ball up to set up play and chances for others, while troubling opposition defences with his ability in the air and on the floor.
His best efforts have included:
* A long-distance strike for the last and arguably the best of the Linnets' four unanswered goals at Winsford, after featuring prominently in the moves that brought the earlier three.
* The well-taken goal, which sealed a tough 3-1 fightback win at home to Congleton.
* An excellent hat-trick and opposition man-of-the-match vote against fellow title challengers Charnock Richard in an important Linnets win at the Millbank Linnets Stadium.
Of all the match day songs belted out by the Linnets fans, the one which pays homage to Freddie Potter is probably the most often heard.
The words say it all about what the ever popular player means to Runcorn Linnets.
'We love you Freddie!’
DIVISION ONE - SEAN GRIFFITHS OF WHITCHURCH ALPORT
Since joining the Club from Market Drayton Town, Sean has become an ever present and it’s no coincidence that Alport won all of the games he played in during the month.
His high energy second half display against Chadderton drove the team on to find the next gear, creating numerous chances and he had a hand in both the second and third goals.
At Silsden his energy levels were outstanding, carrying the ball with confidence, relentlessly chasing the ball down and attacking the heart of the home defence. Again, Sean played his part in both second half goals for Alport that secured a 2-1 win, forcing both comers that led to the equalising and winning goals.
It was his first half display that earned the plaudits in the home fixture against Bacup, running the game from midfield, orchestrating the majority of the play and picking up a deserved goal, when he popped up at the back post, heading in from close range from another comer he had forced.
He wasn’t done there though, as in the second hall his defensive qualities were on show, as Bacup tried to haul themselves back into the game, but Sean took the opportunity to demonstrate another side to his game as a real box to box midfielder.
REUSCH GOALKEEPER OF THE MONTH AWARDS
PREMIER DIVISION - GREG HALL OF 1874 NORTHWICH
1874 played six matches during the month, winning five with the only loss being to the very strong, Evo-stik Premier team Altrincham in the Cheshire Senior Cup.
Greg featured in five of the matches, playing a huge part in ensuring continued success in the League and FA Vase.
74 started the month in style, securing a 3-1 victory over Pontefract Collieries in the FA Vase. The opponents were a big, physical side and they started to launch early attacks on the 1874 goal with the greens needing to get into their stride.
Greg was on hand to steady the ship and keep any efforts at bay, gathering balls coming into his area well. In the second half, Ponte’s best player received the ball with his back to goal, and from outside the area hit a shot on the turn which was tipped around the post by a flying save from Hall.
The 1874 custodian, who had commanded his area all afternoon cleanly taking high balls under pressure, was unable to stop the visitors from equalising in the 69th minute when a free kick was struck out of his reach. However, Greg continued to stay strong and helped the team to create more history.
In the game against AFC Liverpool, Greg had to be on his toes when the Reds started to come more into the game, Hall comfortably dealt with a shot that was fired in. In an open entertaining game AFC Liverpool kept pushing forward in search of an equaliser and caused the 1874 rearguard a few anxious moments.
Their striker twice went close, first shooting narrowly wide and then drilling an angled shot towards 1874’s goal forcing Hall to turn the ball away for a corner. However overall, 1874 were the dominant team and deservedly picked up the three points on offer, but they were made to work hard by determined opponents.
Next up was an away tie at 1874’s ‘bogey ground’ Brantingham Road, home of Maine Road. Supporters were treated to a five goal thriller and saw the Greens extend their winning run of league games to seven, however they had to work for the victory.
Road gained the early advantage, scoring from a corner that Greg couldn’t do much about. Hall was on hand to stop long range shots and gathered everything that came to him comfortably, commanding his area well.
Towards the end of the game, Greg pulled off a good save to deny an attacker however he was unable to prevent the equaliser in the last minute of normal time, but 74 snatched the winner in stoppage time and a first ever win at the ground.
In the final game of the month against Northwich Victoria, Greg was called on early on when a shot was unleashed from distance. Flying through the air, Greg palmed the ball away and then quickly regaining his composure, to smother the follow up attempt from a forward.
The home side started the second half fairly well, and in the opening minutes of the half, Greg produced another top class save to beat away a long range effort. In the closing minutes, Hall saved well to cut out a dangerous low cross from a Vics full back, and overall Greg’s confident handling and distribution helped his side to a deserved three points.
Greg’s significant contribution during January helped to secure 74 progress in the Vase and more important league points, as the club tries hard to play catch up on games.
DIVISION ONE - MATTHEW JOHNSON OF ECCLESHALL
Another of the club’s young players, Matt has made the number 1 position his own since coming into the side in early October.
The first game of the month was a 6-0 reverse at league leaders Silsden, but despite the result Matt was awarded the opponents’ man of the match award, a reflection that the team’s second half performance when they conceded five goals was no fault of Matt’s.
He then played his part in the 3-0 win over FC Oswestry Town, making some fine saves and keeping a clean sheet in the process.
In the final game of the month, Matt again turned in a fine performance, this time against Cammell Laird 1907, standing firm in the second half when their late pressure in the game could have proved to have been a problem.
After a losing run of games, Matt made an important contribution in the team’s back to back wins again high flying teams in good form, and is a deserving recipient of the award for the second time this season.
