(Picture: Last year’s winner Paul Farman of Lincoln City)
Never let it be said that here at The Non-League Paper, we don’t always look after No.1s.
The clock is ticking before we hand out the decanters at the SCL National Game Awards 2018.
Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge is our home for the afternoon on Wednesday May 16, and it’s already shaping up to be our best yet after some electrifying title races across the divisions.
One thing is for sure, the recipient of the award in question won’t have a worrying moment when he gets his big hands on the coveted glass NGA.
There is no doubt that the grip will be firm on the Reusch Goalkeeper of the Year accolade. Paul Farman won it last season for his performances between the sticks as Lincoln City clinched the National League title.
He kept 24 clean sheets during an incredible season which saw the Imps also become the first Non-League side in 103 years to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals.
The Newcastle-born keeper had a solid backline in front of him, but consistently produced the goods when called upon.
Now we need your help to decide who is worthy of scooping this year’s prestigious prize. There are a lot of players in contention, so here are just a few suggestions, starting with Wrexham‘s Chris Dunn, who has kept a staggering 20 clean sheets in the National League as the Dragons bid to make a long-awaited return to the Football League.
Grant Smith has impressed at Boreham Wood with not just his safe hands but also his nifty feet, while Dover’s Mitch Walker is playing a key part in another play-off push.
In the National League North, high-flying Brackley Town have relied on Danny Lewis’ experience to reach the FA Trophy final while in the South, Havant & Waterlooville’s Ryan Young has conceded just 26 goals.
Think that’s good? Then how about AFC Rushden & Diamond’s Ben Heath, who has shipped just 23 goals in the EVO-STIK South East this season.
Who’s your man with the golden gloves? Vote for your number one number one!