Vanarama Monthly Awards for November
By Ray Simpson
Two awards for Southport
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH- MANAGER OF THE MONTH
Liam Watson (Southport)
If a week is a long time in football, what about a month?
Back in October, Liam Watson didn’t know what to do with himself as Southport’s season just couldn’t get started however hard he tried.
A campaign which he hoped would see the club get out of the division was threatening just that - but into Step Three, not via promotion to the Vanarama National League.
When a legend returns, excitement naturally grows but thanks to a brilliant November the club’s painful start is a thing of the past.
Three fantastic away league wins set the tone. Kidderminster Harriers torn apart in front of their own fans before Hereford and Boston United were also well beaten. Port achieved FA Trophy progression too as in-form Chester were eventually seen off, with of course a victory in the FA Cup at home to Boreham Wood.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH - PLAYER OF THE MONTH
David Morgan (Southport)
Southport have cleaned up with this month’s awards – new captain David Morgan has capped off a superb month for the Port with the Player of the Month accolade.
Having been made skipper of the side at the end of October, the midfield general has gone on to put in a number of dominant performances that has seen the Port fight on three fronts through the month.
He was behind impressive National League North wins against Kidderminster Harriers and Hereford as well as a last-minute victory at Boston United to move them out of the relegation zone.
The 24-year-old has been instrumental in Southport’s cups runs too – not content with beating National League Boreham Wood in the FA Cup First Round, Morgan went on to score the winner against high-fliers Chester as his side progressed to the next round of the FA Trophy.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH- VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
Barry Masters (Nuneaton Borough)
Barry Masters has won Volunteer of the Month for Nuneaton Borough in the National League North.
Barry has worked on the pitch and supported with stadium maintenance for six years. Since the loss of this wife, he has put a great deal of effort into his work for the Club.
In his eighties, and despite not being too mobile, Barry arrives at the stadium every morning at 8.30 to assist the Head Groundsman in getting the pitch ready, working tirelessly until at least 3pm.
He’s been a lifelong fan of the club, attends all matches- both home and away- and can’t do enough to help the club. He’s never asked for or taken any reward for his efforts, but the club are delighted for his dedication and devotion to be recognised with the Volunteer of the Month award.