Taylor and Dawson nominated for awards

EXETER City’s magnificent March has led to manager Matt Taylor being nominated for the Sky Bet League Two Manager of the Month award, while goalkeeper Cameron Dawson is in the running for the players’ gong., writes Stuart James.

Taylor was the recipient of the award in February, when his Exeter side picked up an impressive 13 out of 15 points and the Grecians have continued that form into March.

After losing their first game of the month – 2-1 at promotion rivals Mansfield Town – the Grecians picked up an impressive 14 points from seven games, ending with a 2-1 win over Stevenage on March 26.

In those seven games, City scored 11 goals, but it was their miserly defence that was the bedrock for such good form. The Grecians conceded only five goals and Dawson was a key part of that backline, playing in all seven games and keeping four clean sheets.

The 26-year-old, on-loan from Sheffield Wednesday, also made a crucial penalty save with the Grecians leading 1-0 in their 2-0 win at Oldham Athletic and was impressive in all their games, making crucial saves in the goalless draw at Port Vale and narrow win over Stevenage.

He is in competition for the award with Port Vale midfielder Ben Garrity, who scored three goals and assisted another during a productive month for the Valiants, Northampton Town winger Mitch Pennock, who scored three and returned two assists in March, and Leyton Orient striker Ruel Sotiriou. The 24-year-old scored six goals and had one assist in March as the O’s pulled clear of the relegation zone under new manager Richie Wellens.

However, Wellens was overlooked for the managerial award with City boss Taylor one of four nominees, but it seems unlikely he will make it back-to-back successes.

Bristol Rovers’ boss Joey Barton is shortlisted after his team took five wins and 15 points from seven games, but two defeats at Newport County and Carlisle United could count against him.

Salford City boss Gary Bowyer is also shortlisted after they picked up three wins, three draws and 12 points from six games, including a goalless draw at Exeter on March 12.

Carlisle United manager Paul Simpson is also in the running after guiding the Cumbrians away from the foot of the League Two table in March with five wins and 15 points from their seven games.

On Taylor’s nomination, the EFL judging panel said: “A busy March fixture list saw Exeter collect 14 points from seven games and move into the automatic promotion places. Taylor’s team did it with youthful energy and enjoyment too, in spite of a growing injury list at St James Park.”

All winners will be announced at 8am on Friday with the nominees for the League One awards due tomorrow morning and the Championship on Thursday.