Vanarama National League North

Monthly Awards: December 2018

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH- MANAGER OF THE MONTH

Jim Gannon (Stockport County)

Stockport County are enjoying arguably their best season in many years - and the fans think it’s thanks to one man.

Jim Gannon has masterminded a National League North title assault when it appeared not so long ago that it was a play-off push at best. Due to a December to die for, County are on the charge - and don’t the unexpected championship chasing clubs know it!

Last month started slowly, limping out of the FA Cup and picking up a point at Chester but they soon found their range.

Just when they needed it the most, they did what few sides do - win at an in-form Spennymoor Town.

They followed that up with FA Trophy victory over Altrincham, who they were about to beat three times inside three weeks. Thrashing Ashton United 6-0 away from home, they then grabbed a crucial point at Alfreton Town.

The Hatters ended December strongly, with win number two over Alty followed up by a solid if unspectacular 1-0 triumph against Kidderminster Harriers.

Is this the year Gannon guides County back on the road to promotion success?

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH - PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Daniel Maguire (Blyth Spartans)

If you’re looking for a form side in the National League North, look no further than Blyth Spartans.

They took a while to get going this season but now they’re up and running, they look unstoppable.

The Croft Park side bagged 16 goals, including impressive wins against Nuneaton Borough, Ashton United and FA Trophy progression at Lancaster City.

Over Christmas, victories versus Chorley and York City- as well as a brilliant comeback draw at Spennymoor Town- took the Spartans to within touching distance of the play-off places.

The striker found the target five times in total during the final month of 2018 - a haul that took him into double figures for the campaign.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH- VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

Craig Rivers (Chorley)

Craig Rivers has won Volunteer of the Month for Chorley in the National League North.

Craig carries out a multitude of roles, including the matchday electrician and general support with electrical maintenance around the Victory Park.

He plays a very active role in the Club’s newly formed Community Foundation, in particular working with family events and initiatives.

He has also set up a separate refreshments hut he and his wife run voluntarily at every home match, which also doubles up as the focal point for their community work to raise awareness to supporters on matchdays.