Player And Goalkeeper Of The Month Awards

Wed 7th January 2015 | League Awards
By Ian Templeman

PLAYER OF THE MONTH AWARDS

PREMIER DIVISION - KIERAN LUGSDEN OF GLOSSOP NORTH END

Kieran was in scintillating form during the month of December, and in addition to several "assists" he scored seven goals in just four games - two in the FA Vase against 1874 Northwich, a hat trick in the Derbyshire Senior Cup against higher league opposition in New Mills, and another two against Stockport Sports in a convincing 6-0 win on Boxing Day.

In addition to his goal scoring prowess Kieran is a hard working midfield player who also relishes his ball winning duties and generally helping out the defence when required. 

His goalscoring exploits during December have seen him travelling quickly up the list of NWCFL leading goalscorers for the Premier Division - he is now on 20 for the season - and his all round performances during the month make him a deserving winner of the award.

DIVISION ONE - JOHN-PAUL STANWAY OF HOLKER OLD BOYS

Nineteen year old JP has taken his chance of recent regular starts with both hands, having spent most of the season so far as a substitute.

With the loss of regular front men through injury, suspension and work commitments he was drafted into the starting line-up for the last game of November and netted twice in that game. He went on to score a further three goals in two games at the start of December helping the Club reach the semi-finals of the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy with one of those goals.

His pace and directness unsettles defenders who seem reluctant to go into the tackle for fear of committing a foul. However his talents extend beyond his goal scoring as he tracks back well and possesses an accurate cross which has earned him several assists in recent games. Only the weather and a deferred fixture denied him the opportunity of adding to his tally on both counts during December.  

GOALKEEPER OF THE MONTH AWARDS

PREMIER DIVISION - CRAIG ELLISON OF CONGLETON TOWN

craig played in three games for the Bears during December, two of which ended in 3-1 victories while the other resulted in a 2-1 defeat.

The first game in the month was away at Colne where historically the Bears have had little success. A sound first half display contained the usual competent and assured handling of shots but after building a 3-0 lead, the Bears were hit with a penalty and player dismissal. Left helpless by the spot kick, Craig then proved his value with three superb stops in a short space of time to prevent Colne getting a second goal and a real chance to salvage something from the game.

That was followed by a 3-1 home win against Barnoldswick Town, who took the lead when Craig could not deny a one on one attacker. He did though, save two other chances to keep the Bears in the match before they built a 3-1 lead that was never in danger.

In the tough challenge away at Bootle, the Bears were level at 1-1, with Craig again in top form but a penalty gave the home side the points. So four goals conceded included two from the penalty spot and three games containing a consistently high quality of shot stopping shows how valuable Craig is to the Bears.

DIVISION ONE - DANNY TABERNER OF ATHERTON COLLIERIES

Colls had another good month during December, winning three and drawing one of their four games, and Danny's displays between the sticks had a huge bearing on this. 

The first game, a 3-0 triumph against a competitive Barnton outfit, did not see Danny with much to do but a point blank save late on.  Next up was a 2-1 victory over old foes Ramsbottom United, who are now operating in the the Evostik Premier League.  By common consent, Colls were good value for the victory but playing against a quality opponent had to survive a very nervy last ten minutes. 

Danny was calmness personified as he made important catches and saved in an Alamo type situation.  He had earlier made a save from a long distance thunderbolt which was worth the admission fee alone. 

Against Cammell Laird 1907, in a top of the table clash, Colls had just reduced the arrears to 1-2 when Danny made the save of the season.  The Lairds striker had already wheeled away in celebration, only to see the wrong footed keeper steal his glory.  This save enabled the game to be eventually drawn 2-2.  The last game of 2014 was a 4-0 flatcap derby victory over LR, when Danny turned in another fine performance to keep a clean sheet.

Congratulations to all the award winners. 

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