Pic: Steve Niblett
YOU just can’t get away from it at the moment – there’s still nearly two months to go but the excitement is already building.
It’s all they’re talking about! No, we’re don’t mean the National Game Awards… although the anticipation is certainly growing for our big day at Stamford Bridge on May 19.
It’s the National Finals Day a few miles down the road at Wembley of course – and after the line-up was confirmed for the FA Trophy and FA Vase finals, all on one day this year remember, we thought this was the perfect time to run through one of our favourite awards.
The Acerbis Cup Run of the Year is usually about the underdog having its day. But this year, there may well be a slight change of focus.
This time last year, Hereford weren’t even playing football. They were a think-tank work in progress forced to rebuild from the ashes of the club the supporters saw destroyed.
Last weekend, they reached Wembley where they will play Morpeth Town in the final of the FA?Vase. Outsiders perhaps they aren’t, cheered on by huge crowds at Edgar Street, but their story may be worthy enough of the top prize as we welcome votes.
The FA Trophy has produced stories as well. Bognor Regis Town in the Ryman Premier took Grimsby all the way over two legs in their semi-final – top scorer Padraig Amond proving the difference as the Mariners eventually returned to the capital once more.
They will play FC Halifax who themselves should be up for consideration. Jim Harvey has restored pride and belief in the Shaymen and a final appearance must be worth a mention when it comes to the runners and riders.
It’s fair to say this year’s FA Cup campaign wasn’t a classic for Non-League clubs. Not one of our boys reached the fourth round, although Eastleigh – whose run was only ended by Championship Bolton in a replay – did us proud in round three.
Salford City will argue they were the story. Yes, the media got their pound of flesh when it came to the Class of 92, but the Evo-Stik NPL Premier side beat four higher-level opponents – Curzon Ashton, Bradford PA, Southport and Notts County – before Hartlepool eventually ended their run after a replay.
Fans of Northwich Victoria, Whitehawk, Didcot Town and Chesham United will say that they have to be in with a shout so it’s even more important that you decide who should win the award. Vote now!
NGA 2015-16 list of awards
Sport Shield Player of the Year
Sportsbeat Young Player of the Year
FieldTurf Manager of the Year
Reusch Goalkeeper of the Year
Morrant Golden Boot
SK Kits Step 3 & 4 Player of the Year
Red Insure Team of the Year
Acerbis Cup Run of the Year
The Non-League Paper Lifetime Achievement
Huck Nets Goal of the Season
William Hill Fan of the Year
The Football Foundation Community Club of the Year
The PFA Fair Play Award
SCL Unsung Hero
How to vote
Please email [email protected] to cast your vote or use #NGAvotes on twitter
