Team Of New Year's Day: The Vanarama National League North

By Tom Feaheny

There were plenty of fireworks as we welcomed in 2018, with some impressive performances standing out to begin the new year.

We’ve selected the 16 who were the headline makers after speaking with clubs and reporters at the ground, writes Tom Feaheny.

The formation is 3-4-3, though some on the bench narrowly missed out being in the 11.

As always, there’s plenty to talk about so enter the debate on twitter and make sure you are following @TheNationalLge

Goalkeeper: Henrich Ravas (Gainsborough Trinity)

The loanee helped Trinity to a valuable point with some instinctive saves ensuring their match ended in a draw.

Defence: Chris Smalley (Stockport County)

Smalley scored not one but two goals during Stockport's win, including a marvellous scissor kick, that got them off to the best possible start.

Defence: Fraser Horsfall (Kidderminster Harriers)

It was a great bit of business for Kidderminster ensuring they kept the defender who once again stood out, with a fine display.

Defence: Luke Jones (Tamworth)

A captain's performance by Jones who helped the back line with plenty of instructions as they kept a clean sheet.

Midfield: Callum Powell (Tamworth)

Powell was a real bright spark for Andy Morrell's side and helped himself to a goal and could have scored more only being stopped by good saves.

Midfield: Rob Ramshaw (Spennymoor Town)

A local derby win for Town was secured with help from Ramshaw who played his part with a goal and a dominant display in the centre.

Midfield: Joe Leesley (Harrogate Town)

2017 was an impressive year for Leesley and on this performance 2018 could be even better, he caused Darlington no end of problems with a goal and assist.

Midfield: Steven Irwin (FC United of Manchester)

Quality with a real work rate included meant Irwin had to be selected, his performance played a big part in FC United gaining a point at the league leaders.

Striker: Jon Parkin (York City)

The big striker keeps on making a big impact for the Minstermen with another two goals safely in the bag.

Striker: Jack Sampson (Southport)

Kevin Davies praised the forward who played on the left of the attack for the side, a good performance and a goal ensured he got selected.

Striker: Glen Taylor (Spennymoor Town)

Another goal for the forward who helped Spennymoor do the double over Blyth Spartans.

Substitutes:

Jamie Chandler (Spennymoor Town)

Jack Emmett (Harrogate Town)

Jon Worsnop (Southport)

Reece Thompson (Boston United)

Jimmy O'Connor (Kidderminster Harriers)

Photo by John Rudkin

Where next?

Limbrick Rues Late Rendell Sucker Punch As Cards Suffer Woking manager Anthony Limbrick saw enough in their derby defeat to Aldershot to suggest results can turn.
Five Things We Learned From New Year’s Day's Action The Vanarama National League didn’t disappoint on Monday, kicking off the New Year with some fireworks.

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