MANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH – MANAGER OF THE MONTH
Alun Armstrong (Darlington)
Some may have wondered why Alun Armstrong left Blyth after three fantastic years this summer.
He had hero status, and a team seemingly on the up. It soon became clear why Darlington moved heaven and earth to ge their man.
The Quakers boss didn’t make the immediate impact he wanted to with four defeats in August but good things come to those who wait.
A flawless October saw Darlo record four wins from four. Now ambitions have changed.
Kidderminster Harriers and Boston United were put to the sword in the National League North, and their FA Cup campaign is growing legs.
A win at tricky Tamworth, having already done the business at Leamington, set up this weekend’s visit to struggling Walsall. Many think an upset could occur.
Armstrong made his name as a player in the North East and he is certainly getting management tongues wagging in the area too.
MANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH – PLAYER OF THE MONTH
David Morgan (Southport)
A week is a long time in football, people usually say. But for Southport fans, the past year might have felt like a lifetime.
At this point last season, the Port were all at sea. Rock bottom of the National League North table with just one win, and eight points from their opening 14 games – five points adrift of safety.
Nowadays it’s a different story entirely. Fourth in the table and having won all but one of their games through October, it couldn’t be going any better.
Captain fantastic David Morgan has been at the forefront of the action for the highfliers – starting the month with a goal in their FA Cup win over Farsley Celtic.
Scoring the winner against Brackley Town was the icing on the cake before wins over Hereford and Bradford (Park Avenue) rounded off an incredible month for Liam Watson’s troops.
The ruthless skipper looks determined to take the game to anyone who stands in his team’s way.
MANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH – VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
Don Holmes (Farsley Celtic)
Don Holmes has won Volunteer of the Month for Farsley Celtic in the National League North.
Don has been associated with the Club for 30 years, currently occupying the role of Vice-President.
He visits The Citadel every day of the week to help clean and maintain the facilities of the stadium.
As well as carrying out day-to-day tasks he is often seen repairing and improving all aspects of the site to improve the matchday experience for all attendees.
The Club believes Don’s efforts are invaluable and he is someone whose commitment they could simply not replace.