Clubs see top performers honored

The trio were honoured in front of their fellow clubs during the latest EVO-STIK NPL Conference Day to take place at the ground and the first league event there since May’s Integro Doodson Sport Cup final.

Handed out every month, the awards are sponsored by Bostik Ltd, parent company of the Northern Premier League's title sponsors EVO-STIK, to recognise and reward the top performers in the league's three divisions. As well as collecting inscribed glass trophies to mark their achievements, each club was also presented a 4.5 litre bottle of Bells Whiskey by Clive Timmins, sponsorship manager at Bostik, EVO-STIK's parent company.

Undefeated throughout November, Stourbridge won both their outings in the league as well as two FA Trophy ties against Carlton Town and Spennymoor Town to reach the competition’s first round proper. Like Salford City who were pipped to the top flight's accolade after losing their final outing in the Premier Division, the Glassboys also reached the second round of the FA Cup thanks to a famous giant-killing, a 2-1 win at National League Dover Athletic. Proud secretary Clive Edes is pictured collecting the club's award.

In EVO-STIK NPL First Division South, Stocksbridge Park Steels were named as the division’s top performers on the back on their run to the first round proper of the FA Trophy.

As well as winning their only league outing, Steels knocked out Northwich Victoria in the first qualifying round and overcame Ilkeston FC in a replay in the next round before pulling off a famous 2-1 away win to knock out holders and 2015 winners North Ferriby United. As if that wasn’t enough cup success for secretary Mick Grimmer, pictured, they also won a 3-2 thriller at Harrogate Railway Athletic to reach the second round of the Integro Doodson League Cup.

When it comes to winning the EVO-STIK NPL’s performance awards, Ossett Albion could be described as one of the perpetual ‘Cinderellas’ in First Division North.

All that changed in November, a run of four straight wins with 16 goals scored along the way seeing them get the nod from the competition’s judges over Northwich Victoria, twice winners of the accolade already this season thanks to their run to the second round of the FA Cup and table-topping performances. Albion secretary Stephen Hanks is pictured with their accolade.

Follow us: @evostikleague on Twitter | Facebook www.facebook.com/evostikleague | The NPL Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/TheNPL/