North London Raiders B are toasting double delight after clinching my respective Player and Manager of the Month for February.
Midfield dynamo Elliot Espinoza has been in top form. He was instrumental in Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash against Chigwell Athletic. Boss Rob Richman is the standout candidate after steering the team to nine consecutive wins that has put them within touching distance of Premier Division football next season. They have also reached the last eight of the Jewish FA Cup.
It’s an all-Redbridge affair in the Premier Division awards with striker Lewis Walker and Sam McCarthy recognised for outstanding achievement. Walker has been one of the most improved players this season, and he fired a famous hat-trick in the Morrison win over Oakhill in Manchester. He’s really come of age in a multi-talented Redbridge team. And McCarthy’s brand of sexy football has gone down well with the fans. Still involved in all three competitions, the manager of the year gong looms large, although David Garbacz and Rob Richman could also have something to say about that.
There was also a win double for Norstar B in Division Three. Under manager Jonny Bunt, the team has climbed the table with a solid run including impressive win at Redbridge C.
Jonny Kaye is my top player after scoring three in three. Bunt told JC Sport: “Kaye has been invaluable member of the team, holding up the ball and bringing other into play as well as working tirelessly when we haven’t got the ball.
“He's like Heskey but no with goals and less falling over!”
Los Blancos’ pairing of Dany Kon and Joel Minsky have cleaned up in Division Four after the team reached the last four in the JC Cyril Anekstein Cup. Kon came runner-up for the overall Player of the Month.
Minsky edged out Glenthorne B boss Elliot Coulton who can count himself desperately unlucky having masterminded wins over Inter Borehamwood, North London Raiders C and Shirley Park.
Josh Wynne was pinpointed by the judges as one to watch. He’s my Young Player of the Month.
My Safe Hands award goes to Raiders B keeper David 'Simmo' Simnock. He has been near faultless over the last four games, with a clean sheet against second-placed Chigwell and a crucial penalty save that set up the shootout win over Oakwood in the Morrison.
DC'S FEBRUARY AWARDS ROLL OF HONOUR:
PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Elliot Espinoza (North London Raiders B)
YOUNG PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Josh Wynne (Glenthorne United B)
MANAGER OF THE MONTH
Rob Richman (North London Raiders B)
SAFE HANDS AWARD
David Simnock (North London Raiders B)
PREMIER DIVISION
Player: Lewis Walker (Redbridge Jewish Care A)
Manager: Sam McCarthy (Redbridge Jewish Care A)
DIVISION ONE
Player: Elliot Espinoza (North London Raiders B)
Manager: Rob Richman (North London Raiders B)
DIVISION TWO
Player: James Kaye (Brixton Old Boys)
Manager: John Nitka (Brixton Old Boys)
DIVISION THREE
Player: Jonny Kaye (Norstar B)
Manager: Jonny Bunt (Norstar B)
DIVISION FOUR
Player: Dany Kon (Los Blancos)
Manager: Joel Minsky (Los Blancos)
Performances of the Month
North West Neasden B 2 Los Blancos 3
Catford & Bromley Maccabi 2 Glenthorne United A 1
Most Improved
Catford & Bromley Maccabi
-------------------------------------------------
DANNY CARO'S MONTHLY AWARDS - JANUARY
