Faal Play Sparks Award As Craig Collects Best Boss Gong

So thrilling are things at the top end of the National League North that our panel took a few nights to sleep on it before finally coming up with a decision.

The Manager of the Month accolade eventually went to Buxton manager Craig Elliott and what a job he’s done since arriving.

After taking the job towards the end of 2022 he said he wanted more than just survival - they’re certainly looking up already.

When he took the reins in mid-December, his side were just three points off the drop zone but have since extended that gap to eight points by end of last month.

Only AFC Fylde were the other side to pick-up more points than his team in February – but Buxton were the only one in the North to go unbeaten in a tough month that saw them play seven times.

Playing title favourites King’s Lynn twice in the month they took four points and also held play-off hopefuls Chorley and Darlington to respectable draws.

Elliott is also seemingly getting the best out of star striker Diego De Girolamo who notched three important goals, and he was a strong candidate for the Player of the Month honours.

That eventually went to Mo Faal - but AFC Fylde fans probably could do with remembering a little football saying right about now.

Supporters are often told ‘never fall in love with a loan player’ and just days before getting his hands on the prize, the striker returned to West Brom.

He scored five goals in February to double his tally for the entire season. Without his goals last month, Fylde would be five points worse off and lagging well behind King’s Lynn as Chester lurk, too.

In his short time at the club, he has really impressed and was quickly taken to fans hearts - not bad for a 20-year-old getting his first proper run in senior football.

He scored twice against Curzon Ashton and Peterborough Sports and another against King’s Lynn last month.

His parting gift could be helping them on their way but now the Coasters need someone else to step up in his place.

Well done to our two fantastic winners!