NI Football Writers announce their monthly award winners
Individuals rewarded for their efforts
ON loan Coleraine striker Jamie McGonigle has been named the NIFWA Player of the Month for September.
The former Derry City and Crusaders forward joined the Roesiders on loan from Coleraine just before the summer transfer window shut.
He has hit the ground running, scoring five goals in September, including a stunning hat-trick against Bangor.
McGonigle said: “I’m delighted to win this award.
“I would like to thank the Football Writers’ for selecting me and all my teammates at Limavady for welcoming me to the club.”
Linfield’s Adam Frizzell was runner-up to McGonigle, with Larne’s Matthew Lusty in third.
Meanwhile, Larne boss Gary Haveron is the NIFWA Manager of the Month for September.
In the month of September, the Invermen won all five Premiership matches, putting Glentoran, Bangor, Portadown, Cliftonville and Carrick Rangers to the sword before the international break brought the month to a premature end.
A delighted Haveron said: “It was a great month for us, coming off the back of the European result, which was a bitterly disappointing night for us.
“It was heartbreaking to be just seven minutes away from group-stage football and for it to go wrong, so it was vital we bounced back.
“We started the month with a 4-0 win over Newington in the County Antrim Shield, our first match back after the Lincoln Red Imps game, which set us up for a good run in the league.
“To win six games in a month is very special. It showed how resilient we are as a group of players and staff, and they deserve all the credit for this award.”
Finally, Annagh United’s left-sided star Craig Taylor has been named NIFWA Championship Player of the Month for September.
In the month, Taylor performed well as Annagh defeated Ards, Harland and Wolff Welders and Institute, while also grabbing a draw against Newry City.
He scored three goals and provided several assists from the left flank.
Taylor said: “I’m really pleased to win this award, as it was a good month for the team and for myself personally.
“We made a bit of a slow start to the season, so going through September unbeaten was important.
“It’s a little bit different at Annagh now, as we have a young team, whereas in the past we’ve always had an experienced team.
“That has its challenges, but it’s also exciting to be part of.
“We’re top at the moment, but it’s a crazy division and you can take nothing for granted.
“ There will be a lot of twists and turns between now and May.”