Pompey duo in running for monthly accolades

MARCUS Harness has been nominated for the Sky Bet League One Player of the Month award for October, writes MARK McMAHON.

And the Pompey forward has been joined on the EFL’s shortlist for a monthly prize by Kenny Jackett, who is one of four contenders for the manager of the month prize.

Harness takes his place among the division’s best players for the month after registering five goals from his seven games played in October.

He set the month alight

– and the Blues’ third-tier campaign – thanks to a brilliant hat-trick at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium.

It handed Pompey their first league win of the season and got him firing on all cylinders as Jackett’s side put their below-par start to the season behind them.

His further two strikes also contributed to important wins against Sunderland and Northampton as the 24-yearold revelled in a positional switch brought on by the manager’s decision to be more flexible with his formation.

Two assists have also contributed to an excellent month for the Republic of Ireland hopeful.

However, Harness faces some stiff competition for the right to be named the Sky Bet League One Player of the Month.

Ben Amos has also been nominated after the Charlton goalkeeper kept six clean sheets in October.

Gwion Edwards’ impressive form and three goals for Ipswich have also caught the eye.

Meanwhile, Peterborough’s Siriki Dembele has proven there’s life after Ivan Toney, with the forward scoring five goals and creating two for high-flying Posh in October.

The London Road side’s recent form has seen them climb to the top of the table.

It’s therefore no surprise to see Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson alongside Jackett in the manager of the month category.

Ferguson oversaw six league wins and a draw last month, with fellow nominee Jackett securing five victories from the Blues’ seven games played.

Joining Jackett and Ferguson on the October shortlist are Charlton boss

Lee Bowyer (five wins, one draw) and Accrington’s John Coleman, whose side won three of their four matches.

The player and manager of the month award winners will be revealed on Friday.