Enterprise National League: Monthly awards nominations

The nominations for the Enterprise National League monthly awards for October have now been confirmed.

The nominations for Manager of the Month are...

Luke Garrard (Boreham Wood)

Securing a third nomination out of three, Wood and Garrard just keep motoring as his side remained at the summit of the Enterprise National League. It was seven wins from seven in all competitions, retaining their unbeaten start to the season in the process, They showed the hallmark of champions, coming from behind to win against Altrincham, Hartlepool United and Woking.

Rob Elliot (Carlisle United)

Providing composure when the pressure was on, Elliot and Carlisle may look back on October as their season’s turning point. The Blues went unbeaten, winning against Aldershot Town, Solihull Moors, Harrogate and Altrincham in the league, while sending Tamworth spinning out of the FA Cup. They started the month in 16th and ended just one spot outside the play-offs.

Adam Murray (Barrow)

The Bluebirds’ season has flipped, and a fantastic four weeks has seen the rise continue. Murray’s men would have been perfect in October had it not been for 101st minute Eastleigh leveller at the weekend, but wins over Wealdstone and Tamworth, not to mention a stunning turn around against FC Halifax Town, has made the club upwardly mobile. It was a ten-point month which included FA Cup progress.

John McGrath (FC Halifax Town)

The Shaymen showed signs of progression in October after five excellent wins. Manager McGrath has steadied things down with Solihull Moors, Gateshead and Yeovil all sent packing. They also earned a valiant late point at Southend United. South Shields, in the FA Cup, and Stoke City - in the National League Cup - were also swatted aside.

The nominations for Player of the Month are...

Zak Brunt (Boreham Wood)

Nominated once again after a month to remember, the midfielder has typically been in the thick it as Boreham Wood became the last side standing in the top seven tiers as their unbeaten run goes on. He scored the winner against AFC Fylde, and also levelled late against Hartlepool United before setting up Matt Rush’s clincher seconds later. Brunt, 24, also registered two assists in the win at Sutton United.

Aaron Blair (Eastleigh)

Coming into his own this month, Blair took his National League tally for the season to eight after an impressive few weeks. He was responsible for every point the club claimed in October and his six goals in all competitions underlined his importance to the team. His hat-trick against Boston United and FA Cup winner vs Brentwood Town showed he is someone Matt Gray can depend on.

Morgan Feeney (Carlisle United)

The skipper stepped up in an unbeaten month as Carlisle United put pressure back on the promotion places. Part of the best defence in the National League last month, the Blues conceded four goals in five matches which included two clean sheets. He also got on the scoresheet at Solihull Moors.

Cory Adjetey-Brew (Worthing)

October was the month when he really arrived as the Queens Park Rangers loanee delivered a number of stand-out performances. The Worthing flier scored the winning goals against Solihull Moors and Kidderminster Harriers, before firing in the equaliser in the thriller at home to Southend United.

PHOTO: GRAHAM SCAMBLER