VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE – MANAGER OF THE MONTH
Daryl McMahon – Ebbsfleet United
Ebbsfleet United handed manager Daryl McMahon a new five-year contract in the summer after achieving promotion to the Vanarama National League, and the show of faith seems to have been rewarded on the pitch. In their first season back in the fifth-tier, Fleet ended February with only goal difference separating the side from a spot in the play-off places. Despite defeat in the month’s first match at Tranmere Rovers- a ground where few away sides have gained three points this season- McMahon’s men won all four of the remaining fixtures. A hard fought 1-0 victory over in-form Solihull Moors was closely followed by three points at FC Halifax Town, where debutant Corey Whitley made an instant impact at his new club. Danny Kedwell’s brace at home to Woking took his tally to 13 for the campaign, while Dean Rance scored the only goal in the final match of the month at Hartlepool United.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE – PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Elliott Durrell – Macclesfield Town
It’s been another magic month for Macclesfield Town. The Silkmen stretched their lead to five points at the top of the Vanarama National League after collecting maximum points from February. Back-to-back away matches at Aldershot Town and Tranmere Rovers looked a tough test on paper, but the table toppers passed with flying colours. Elliott Durrell’s contribution proved crucial during the two matches, creating the winning goal at The EBB Stadium and scoring twice at Prenton Park. In the final game of February, the winger’s pinpoint cross to the far post was met by Scott Wilson to earn three important points in additional time versus Maidenhead United. Durrell earns the accolade for match winning performances, which could prove vital at the end of the campaign.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH – MANAGER OF THE MONTH
Dino Maamria – Nuneaton Town
It was a phenomenal turnaround for Nuneaton Town during an unbeaten February. Only goal difference separated The Boro from the Vanarama National League North relegation zone at the beginning of the month. But four victories in five matches took Dino Maamria’s side into the top half of the table for the first time under his stewardship. The new centre-back pairing of Ryan Johnson and Kennedy Digie contributed towards three clean sheets, while Ashley Chambers maintained his ruthless run in front of goal this campaign, finding the target on three occasions. Now only five points behind the top seven, Nuneaton Town may turn attentions towards a late play-off push, which looked more than improbable just a few weeks ago.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH – PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Jason Gilchrist – Southport
It was another great month in front of goal for marksman Jason Gilchrist, and the Vanarama National League North top goal scorer is the deserving winner of the Player of the Month award for February. Five goals in just three matches takes the striker’s tally to twenty three in the league this season, including twelve since joining Southport from FC United of Manchester. The month began with the 23-year-old netting a second hat-trick of the campaign in victory over Gainsborough Trinity, with a half-volley from a tight angle to open the scoring the pick of the goals. Gilchrist scored from the penalty spot as Southport recorded a second successive three-goal victory at North Ferriby United. After falling behind against Curzon Ashton, Gilchrist’s header at the far post proved to the catalyst for an impressive comeback to secure maximum points from the month.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH – MANAGER OF THE MONTH
Marc Richards – Gloucester City
Since taking charge of Gloucester City in mid-December, Marc Richards has excelled so far in his first role in football management. A former Tigers player- having appeared over 100 times for the club- Richards was First Team Assistant Manager under the reign of former manager Tim Harris. After a brief period of adjustment- with the side sitting inside the bottom three- February was where Richards began to leave his mark. A five-match unbeaten run- including three straight victories over Welling United, Concord Rangers and Wealdstone- propelled the side rapidly up the Vanarama National League South table. Joe Hanks’ wonder strike at Havant & Waterlooville in the final match of the month may have been in vein, but the performance showed just how far they’ve come in just a short period of time.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH – PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Rory Williams – Havant & Waterlooville
After suffering relegation out of the Vanarama National League South in 2016, Havant & Waterlooville are on the trail for back-to-back promotions. The Hawks have made an immediate impact since returning to the division. They are currently on course to reach the fifth-tier for the first time in their history. Rory Williams has been one of the players key to the fluid transition back into the division, and collects the award after a fine February. The left wing-back was a consistent performer for Lee Bradbury’s side, contributing in both defence and attack. The side conceded just twice in the month, with clean sheets coming in three of their five matches. Williams also scored in the first game of February, smartly tucking a free-kick under the wall at Poole Town.