Duffield credits stars for accolade

Belper Town's play-off chasing squad headed to Romulus on Saturday with the praise of their manager Peter Duffield ringing in their ears after he picked up his Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Manager of the Month Award.

Duffield, pictured being presented with the Evo-Stik NPL First Division South accolade by League Representatives Mark and Alan Ogley before his side's 3-1 victory over Northwich Victoria, said: "It's nice to get recognised but the real winners are the players and staff who have worked so hard to put me in the frame for the award.

"I'd like to thank everyone at the club who has made a contribution as a great deal of hard work is put in behind the scenes at this football club. For me to get this award doesn't just mean a great deal to me but also reflects well on all those people who have helped me achieve it."

Like March's other top managers who also picked up their accolades last week - North Ferriby United's Billy Heath and Cammell Laird's Tony Sullivan - the Nailers manager was presented with an inscribed certificate recording his achievment from representatives of the Evo-Stik NPL and sponsors Bostik, the parent company of NPL title sponsors Evo-Stik.

Duffield, whose side were unbeaten in 21 outings ahead of Saturday's trip to Coles Lane, picked up his first managerial award of the campaign at Christchurch Meadow after his side laid down a marker as serious play-off contenders in March by winning five and drawing two of their seven matches.