MOOR OF THE SAME!
Yates lands top boss for Solihull
MARK Yates has scooped the National League manager of the month award for January with Solihull Moors’ great escape effort in full flow.
Moors were cut adrift a month ago, now they’re on the cusp of climbing out of the relegation zone. Yates guided his men to three wins and a draw last month, which even helped land striker Oladapo Afolayan a move to West Ham.
First they swept past Maidenhead as Afolayan netted twice and then they earned a valuable point at leaders Macclesfield.
Their momentum continued with a fine 3-0 win over Woking before smashing in three more at high-flying Dagenham & Redbridge with help from Adi Yussuf ’s debut brace.
Humble Yates said: “This award is for the whole management team off the pitch and the playing squad on it.
“Given the size of the problem we inherited, January’s results have been rewarding but overall, we have achieved little yet. We have seen some big changes, but we have a long way to go. Hopefully at the end of the season we can all celebrate together.”
Eastleigh are another side who have been in resurgent form since the turn of the year under manager Andy Hessenthaler. They won all four of their National League matches in January and left-back Sam Wood has claimed the player of the month award.
The former Brentford and Wycombe Wanderers defender has played an important role in the Spitfires storm up the table. Wood has been a constant outlet on the left and contributed plenty in the final third as Eastleigh netted 13 goals last month with striker Chris Zebroski finding form.
Team Effort
In the National League North, three wins and a draw in January for Spennymoor Town has seen manager Jason Ainsley deservedly pick up the award for top boss. Wins over Blyth Spartans, Bradford Park Avenue and Tamworth, along with a useful draw at play-off rivals York, have cemented Moors’ place in the top seven with three months of the season to go.
Ainsley paid tribute to the support he has around him, saying: “It’s nice to get an award as it’s recognition for the hard work everyone is putting in. I’m holding the trophy up on behalf of everyone connected at the club.”
Brackley Town’s Shane Byrne claimed the player of the month for his committed performances in midfield.
The Saints boast the best defensive record in the division and tough-tackling Irshman Byrne acts as the perfect shield in front of the back four.
He’s played a key part in Brackley’s unbeaten January with two wins and two draws, including a fine victory over leaders Salford City.
The National League South’s manager award went to Dartford boss Tony Burman, whose side have maintained their title bid. Three wins and two draws made it an unbeaten month with the Darts despatching promotion rivals Havant & Waterlooville.
They scored nine goals and conceded five to stay top of the division. Burman said: “I am pleased to receive this award, but there is always a team behind the manager especially off the field, so on behalf of all my backroom staff it is very much appreciated.”
Without a win in the opening 23 matches, life at Whitehawk was pretty bleak. But the Hawks have struck gold, figuratively speaking, with their new star striker Gold Omotayo.
The Swiss-born striker scored five goals in as many games to pick up the South’s player of the month trophy. His brace earnt Whitehawk a first league victory of the season at Eastbourne Borough on New Year’s Day and then goals in matches against Truro City and at Oxford City both proved to be winners with the other against Bognor Regis.