THE National Game Awards are in full flow already – and now we’re taking some time out to put the focus on the Step 3 and 4 Player of the Year Award.
We’re back at Stamford Bridge this year, and on Wednesday May 19, in partnership with SCL, we will honour those who have enjoyed a golden season in the Non-League game in the most fitting way we know.
SK Kits are back and they’re right behind an award we believe is one of the most important. It’s certainly not just those at the pinnacle of football who should be recognised, and here we bring you a guide to who may be in your thinking as you cast your vote.
Remember, this is just an outline – you tell us the player who deserves the crown as the best in Steps 3 and 4 regardless of whether or not they appear here.
It could be argued that, so far, the title races in the Evo-Stik NPL divisions may not be setting pulses racing, but there’s no doubt the talent which has taken their sides to the top deserve recognition.
Long-term leaders Blyth are top, but with Darlington‘s games in hand there may yet be drama to come in the Premier as they close the gap.
Spartans’ Robbie Dale has excelled once again, while, for Darlo, Nathan Cartman, Phil Turnbull and Leon Scott have got to be in contention for the prize.
The North and South have runaway leaders. The champagne isn’t far from being uncorked at Warrington, where 32-year-old Ciaran Kilheeney has blazed a trail – he’s managed 28 goals to fire the Wire well clear.
Convince
Stafford Rangers fans may want to honour one of theirs with Ben Haseley scoring 20 and central defender Wayne Daniel as committed as ever to their cause. Farsley Celtic’s excellent Lewis Nightingale, with 17 goals from midfield, has also been outstanding.
There have been goals aplenty in the Ryman League. Sam Higgins can’t stop scoring for East Thurrock, Jason Prior has been great in the league and in the FA Trophy for Bognor, while Jason Hallett has 33 goals for Cheshunt.
Has striker Ian Draycott’s 28 so far for Ryman South champions-elect Folkestone been enough to convince Invicta fans he is the player they should put forward?
What about Luke Callander’s performances for Ryman North leaders AFC Sudbury, or George Purcell and his 30 goals for AFC Hornchurch? It’s not always about goals of course.
Kieran Murphy has been captain fantastic for Alan Dowson at Hampton & Richmond, while Tonbridge winger Nick Wheeler has been outstanding for the Angels.
The Southern Premier season has been a thriller – it’s too tight to call as six sides battle it out for the title. Redditch have off-field worries but went top in midweek with midfield duo Jamey Osbourne and Ashley Sammons in fine form.
Poole have been on top for most of the season and heart-on-his-sleeve captain Michael Walker continues to hold together another championship challenge.
Chippenham can’t be ignored, and the signing of Andy Sandell has been a master stroke. Full-back Kane Smith and utility man Jonny McNamara have Hitchin in contention, while the displays of wide man Alan O’Brien have kept Hungerford in touch.
Cinderford’s Ethan Moore has had a great season in the Southern League South & West and they will be champions if they don’t bodge their five games in hand, while Warren Bentley has been a class apart for Winchester.
But these are just prompts, remember. The decision is yours!
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
