Manager of the Month
Jason Ainsley – Spennymoor Town
It may be the first season for Spennymoor Town in the Vanarama National League North, but the side from County Durham are making an excellent impression.
While sitting fourth in the table, Ainsley has also masterminded a strong challenge in the FA Trophy, beating Solihull Moors to reach the final 16 of the competition.
League wise, Spenny faced several of their rivals for a place in the top seven, managing victories over Blyth Spartans and Bradford Park Avenue to start the month.
A creditable draw at Bootham Crescent versus York City- a side four divisions above them just two seasons ago- and the home defeat of Tamworth concluded a strong January for the new boys in the sixth-tier.
Player of the Month
Shane Byrne – Brackley Town
Victory over top of the table Salford City in their final match in January showed just why Brackley Town have been tough to beat and score against this campaign.
Shane Byrne- a tough tackling Irishman at the heart of the Saints midfielder- has been an important part of Kevin Wilkin’s side, unbeaten during the opening month of 2018.
January began with four points in matches against Nuneaton Town and Leamington, before Brackley dealt well with a long midweek trip up to Barrow, coming away with a fairly comfortable 2-0 win in an FA Trophy replay.
Two further results in the aforementioned victory against Salford and at Tamworth put Brackley in a commanding position towards the top of the Vanarama National League North.
The midfielder’s stand out influence since the New Year earns him the award.
