League leaders win inaugural accolades!

Premier Division leaders Blyth Spartans and their counterparts in First Division North and First Division South, Northwich Victoria and Stocksbridge Park Steels respectively, were unveiled on Tuesday as the winners of the first performance accolades of the new campaign.

The trio were named as August’s winners of the monthly awards to recognise and reward the top performers in the EVO-STIK NPL’s three divisions after the results and performances since the opening day of the season were examined by judges.

As in previous years, winning clubs can look forward to being presented with a 4.5 litre bottle of Bells Whiskey and from this season, an inscribed glass trophy to mark their achievements at upcoming fixtures by representatives from the league and sponsors Bostik Ltd, parent company of the Northern Premier League's title sponsors EVO-STIK.

Tom Wade's Spartans had to work hard for their first award of the season, only out-gunning second placed Matlock Town on goal difference and getting the nod for having played four of the current top seven in their first six outings to accrue 13 points.

Ironically, their only defeat came 24 hours before being named, Bank Holiday Monday's 2-1 reverse away to third placed Darlington 1883. Spartans won't have to wait long to be honoured with EVO-STIK NPL representative Mark Ogley set to make the presentation to the club this Saturday before they host Stamford AFC in the top flight.

Under manager Jim Gannon, Northwich Victoria have recorded a hundred per cent record to collect the first honours in First Division North, winning both their home games and three away from home.

Gannon also masterminded their progress in the FA Cup last Saturday when they recorded a 3-2 Preliminary Round victory away at Runcorn Town. Along the way, his free-scoring side have banged in 12 league goals and conceded just twice.

Like Spartans, the Vics are also looking forward to collecting their accolade this weekend with EVO-STIK NPL director Neville Wigglesworth set to make the presentation before they take on Ossett Albion.

Stocksbridge Park Steels have been equally as impressive in First Division South.

Despite having played a game less than many of their rivals, Chris Hilton's side lead the table on 12 points, two ahead of closest challengers Stafford Rangers, after collecting maximum points from four outings while scoring nine goals and conceding five.

Steels will be the last of August's winners to be honoured on Saturday 19 September before they host Rugby Town, EVO-STIK NPL representative Mark Ogley making the presentation.

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