NLP National Game Awards

This from the National League:

The National League was well represented amongst the winners at the Non-League Paper National Game Awards last week.

The annual awards were hosted on Wednesday at AFC Wimbledon's Plough Lane.

York City were in the spotlight for their incredible title tussle with Rochdale with manager Stuart Maynard and Golden Boot winner Ollie Pearce both recognised.

Elsewhere, Boreham Wood's Abdul Abdulmalik won the Young Player of the Year award, Oli Whatmuff won Goalkeeper of the Year while his Rochdale side won Team of the Year.

Giant-killers Macclesfield took home the award for FA Cup Run of the Year for their heroics that saw them clinch what was dubbed the greatest upset in the famous competition's 155-year history after knocking out then holders Crystal Palace.

There was also special recognition for National League Chair, Jack Pearce MBE who received the NLP's Lifetime Achievement award.

After receiving his award, Jack told the Non-League Paper: "It's always nice to get recognition for the hard work that you have put in. 

"But I am one of the lucky ones because there are so many people in the Non-League game who do so much but don't get recognition. 

"I joined Bognor Regis in 1970 and am still there now, which is quite a long period of time. I have enjoyed every minute. Sport is a wonderful thing to be involved with - I don't feel like I am going to work.

"If you actually enjoy doing something, it does make life very easy."

Full list of National League winners at NLP's National Game Awards:
The NLP Lifetime Achievement - Jack Pearce MBE
Team of the Year - Rochdale
Sports Ground Development Manager of the Year - Stuart Maynard (York City)
The FA Cup Run of the Year - Macclesfield
Reusch Goalkeeper of the Year - Oliver Whatmuff (Rochdale)
The Sports Circle Player of the Year - Ollie Pearce (York City)
Sportsbeat Young Player of the Year - Abdul Abdulmalik (Boreham Wood)