MANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH – MANAGER OF THE MONTH
Jason Ainsley (Spennymoor Town)
Jason Ainsley may have been in charge for 12 years, but even he won’t have had too many months better than the last. After an unconvincing August, he masterminded a Spennymoor Town revival in September.
Now fourth in the National League North, Town actually started last month slowly with a 1-1 draw against Southport.
That proved to be a spark as they secured maximum points after that, starting with a 2-0 win over Leamington, followed by a 3-1 victory versus Nuneaton Borough.
Perhaps their best performance and result of the season came against Hereford last weekend. Ainsley said the 3-0 away win against the Bulls would live long in the memory.
The National League’s longest serving manager was quoted earlier in the month saying: “we are always likely to score goals”.
How right he was. They averaged over two goals per game in their September fixtures and are now the third highest scoring side in the division.
MANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH – PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Ed Williams (Kidderminster Harriers)
What a month it’s been for Harriers’ midfield maestro Ed Williams.
With Kidderminster sitting proudly in second, the 23-year-old’s form also piqued the interest of England C manager Paul Fairclough, who selected Williams for their upcoming friendlies this month.
Harriers may have lost for the first time this season during the past few weeks, but elsewhere it’s been a perfect month. An impressive 12 points from 15 has been backed up with a resounding win in the FA Cup.
Williams has more than contributed with six goals in five games throughout September, the summer signing has helped his side to wins against Blyth Spartans and Altrincham, along with a crucial goal as they eased York City aside.
But the stand-out moment has to be an incredible solo effort against Boston United – picking up the ball before beating two defenders and firing low past the Pilgrims’ keeper.
MANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH- VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
Roy Hackford (Boston United)
Roy Hackford has won Volunteer of the Month for Boston United in the National League North.
Roy is invaluable to the football club and performs many voluntary tasks every season. On home matchdays, Roy acts as a host of the Boardroom and welcomes all visiting Club Directors and guests, making sure their needs are met.
He is very influential around the club on non-matchdays too, carrying out the maintenance tasks that are required to keep the stadium up-and-running and, during the last two summers, has overseen a re-paint of the whole stadium.
On away match days, he helps to transport kit and equipment and helps other volunteers to meet the team coach.