GET it right, and he could earn your side a good ten points a season. Get it wrong, and you have a goalkeeping calamity on your hands.
Yes, there really is no in between when it comes to managers selecting their stoppers. But, as always at The Non-League Paper, we are continuing to look after the Number Ones.
The National Game Awards, in partnership with SCL, continue to honour the game’s best and most deserving net-minders outside the Football League – and, thanks to long-term backers Reusch, the world-famous glove specialist, we will again be christening the best keeper of 2015-16.
Reusch’s Bob Fidler will once again be with us as we return to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, May 18. And the winner of our award will get his safe hands on the accolade they all have their eye on.
The first line of defence is always the most important, which is why we give our goalies their own award. But, as in previous years, we need your help to make sure the right person goes home with the gong in West London.
We’re not in the business of telling you who to vote for – we want your nominations – but, as we do every year, The NLP offers suggestions to get you thinking.
A good goalkeeper can save a game in a split second with a firm hand, rescuing a point with a late save or keeping things together when the league leaders are in town. This year, their feet have grabbed the headlines, with explosive late drama earning salvation with a golden boot.
Who could forget Overhead Kick Rick – aka Holbeach’s Ricky Drury – making our front page back in September thanks to his FA Cup antics?
Stunner
In the 94th minute, his side were 1-0 down to National League North Worcester City and a hero was required. That was him. This wasn’t a keeper bundling the ball in from a yard.
No, tricky Ricky’s stunning bicycle kick, pictured, brought the house down. Was that moment enough for him to carry home the prize? He wasn’t the only keeper scoring stunners, however.
Hemel Hempstead’s Jamie Butler launched a rocket from his own box against Sutton United and, so good was it, it flew into the top corner, totally unsavable. It pinched a fantastic late 2-2 draw for Dean Brennan’s men.
A keeper’s main job is to keep the ball out of the back of the net, of course, and in Steps 1-4 you have to say: Step forward Cinderford.
The Southern League South & West side have let in only 17 goals this season and that is down to the form of Alex Harris between the posts.
Ian Deakin, of Shaw Lane Aquaforce, has been formidable, too. Just 21 goals have gone into their net while the National League‘s most stingy stopper is Cheltenham’s Dillon Phillips. A torn knee ligament will keep him out of most of the run-in, but is he in the race for the award?
Harrogate’s Peter Crook has been earning rave reviews and earned himself an England C call-up for the upcoming ICT tie with Ukraine, while Maidstone’s Lee Worgan has let in just seven goals away from home.
James Belshaw’s brilliant performances for Tamworth in the National League North has led to him being rewarded with a new deal, while Woking’s Jake Cole has performed well consistently.
But should Boreham Wood‘s keeper be due big credit? The side don’t score many but, having let in just 28 so far this season – amazing for a club deep in the relegation mire – Wood’s James Russell has to be in with a shout.
But it’s down to you. Let us know which goalkeeper deserves his day.
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
