Blues collect September awards

Leek Town picked up two awards from the Evo-Stik NPL League prior to Saturday's clash with Ilkeston FC at Harrison Park.

League representative and former Blues defender, Mark Ogley presented Chairman Andy Wain with the Fair Play award for September.

Blues had only one booking during the month and lead the overall Fair Play League having also won the award for August.

Lee Casswell then accepted the Manager of the Month award for September on behalf of the management team in recognition of Leek's five game winning streak throughout the month in both League and FA Cup.

However, the curse surrounding the league’s ‘Manager of the Month’ award struck again when, after Blues were presented with the award, they went on to lose the game as so many clubs have done in the past.

Short term injuries clearing
Despite being without long term injury victims Richard Minor (knee) and Dan Cope (knee), Blues’ Director of Football, Neil Baker, has welcomed back a number of players who are recovering from injury.

Returning to the squad on Saturday were Ashley Woolliscroft (groin) and veteran winger Wayne Corden, who has been getting match fit with North West Counties League outfit Eccleshall - both were non-playing substitutes for the game against Ilkeston.

Central defender Mark Fitton is now fit enough to start light training this week after treatment on his damaged ankle whilst broken collar bone victim Aden Johnson will also join training sessions this week.

Johnson has been side-lined since the opening game of the season whilst Fitton has been missing since the home game against Goole on 27 August.

Meanwhile, midfielder Danny Holmes is expected to return to the squad for the FA Cup game at Hinckley on Saturday after sitting out the home game against Ilkeston with a foot injury.

Blues extend Thomas loan
Leek Town Director of Football, Neil Baker, has moved to extend the loan of Macclesfield Town midfielder Michael Thomas for a third and final month.

Blues agreed a final deal with their League Two neighbours after the Silkmen’s youngster impressed since moving to Harrison Park on a short term loan deal back in August.

Thomas, 19, signed on the eve of the season after appearing for Macclesfield in a pre-season friendly at Harrison Park in July.

The tall midfielder, who can also play anywhere in defence, is a product of the Macclesfield Centre of Excellence who broke into the Silkmen’s first team in September 2009 and was rewarded with his first professional contract during the summer.

He spent the majority of last season on loan with Evo-Stik NPL First Division North side Mossley.

Haddrell nominated
Leek Town striker Matt Haddrell has been nominated for the FA Cup Second Qualifying Round player of the round award.

Haddrell almost failed to make the FA Cup game at Deeping after his wife Jody went into labour on the eve of the game.

Fortunately, Jody delivered a baby son in time for the big striker to start the game after he was driven to the outskirts of Peterborough in a 100-mile dash by assistant manager Lee Caswell.

Haddrell went on to turn in a ‘man of the match’ performance and celebrated the safe arrival of his son, Charlieray, with the opening goal.

Blues’ fans can place their vote on the FA website at http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/FACompetitions/TheFACup/NewsAndFeatures/2011/fac-player-of-the-round-2q-list

Voting continues until noon on Tuesday 11 October.

FA Cup Third Round Qualifying
Leek will have to overcome higher league opposition if they are to reach the final qualifying round of the FA Cup with Budweiser this season.

Blues are currently on their best run in the competition since they reached the same round in the 2005 – 06 season beating Thornaby 2-1 to reach the fourth qualifier only to lose 2-0 at Burton Albion.

Leek have been drawn away at Blue Square North outfit Hinckley United who currently lie in 24th place in the table following a 3-1 win over Colwyn Bay on Saturday.

However, Hinckley have a poor goals against statistic having conceded 28 goals in 14 games – the worst record in the Blue Square North.

Fans wishing to travel on the official coach should ring 10538 386356 for further details –the coach leaves the ground at 11am.

FA Trophy opponents decided
Leek Town will play Hucknall Town in the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy after the Nottinghamshire side knocked out league rivals Rainworth Miners Welfare in the preliminary round on Saturday by the odd goal in three.

The game will be staged at Harrison Park on Saturday 22 October with a 3.00pm kick off when £2,200 worth of prize money will be at stake.