Trio Celebrate October National League North Accolades

By Sam Elliott

It’s time to honour October’s finest as the great and the good of the National League North get their hands on the monthly gongs.

We’re delighted to present the division’s Manager, Player and the Vanarama Volunteer of the Month to you as the season really starts to take shape.

It wasn’t the opening to the campaign that anyone at York City wanted, but it’s not always those fastest out of the blocks who end up celebrating the loudest!

Those three season-starting defeats are far in the distance now - and thanks to a month to remember, Steve Watson is the boss smiling.

Big progress in the FA Cup before the weekend was also helped with three wins from four in the league as Southport, Chester and Blyth Spartans were put in their place.

Watson and his side, you feel, are only just getting started.

Joining the Minstermen in the play-off pack are Kidderminster Harriers - and Ashley Hemmings epitomises what the club are trying to do, manager Russ Penn says.

He now has six for the season and found the net against Chorley and Bradford (PA) last month but he brings more than just goals.

“He’s a fans’ favourite and deserves to be because of all the work he puts in,” explained the Aggborough boss.

“He’s 30 but he drives himself - I see no reason why he can’t play for the next four or five years.”

We love the Volunteer of the Month Award as those who give up their time are rightly acknowledged.

Every club needs a stat man, especially in the ever-demanding world of social media.

Christian James is Boston United’s go-to man, he founded the popular @bostonutdstats twitter account and has produced plenty of work as the club said an emotional goodbye to York Street.

Alongside previous award winner Nick Appleyard, Christian has worked tirelessly on artwork around their fantastic new Jakemans Community Stadium.

Typically, he has sourced historical stats and information while he continues to write in the well-read The Pilgrim matchday programme, while helping out with any extra media tasks needed.

Well done to all our fantastic winners!

Where next?

October National League South Award Winners Confirmed! The National League South is seriously starting to take shape - so it’s high time we put some trophies in hands.
National League Delight in FA Cup First Round Weekend! Twelve National League clubs make it into the FA Cup Second Round draw from an incredible few days of cup football.

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