Malcolm, McQueen And Ellis Honoured With Player Awards

A fantastic February gave the panel plenty to think about but the three winners were worthy of their awards, and here’s why they were the division’s stand out stars.

It was another strong few weeks for Gateshead, who continue to mount yet another challenge on the play-offs and Malcolm grabbed his chance with both hands.

He knows the International Stadium is a breeding ground for talent and the striker - signed following his release from West Brom in the summer - is another one to watch.

The attacker had found minutes hard to come by, but after starting the month with two goals from the bench against Wealdstone he became a key part of a big period.

He also scored in wins over Sutton United in a seven-goal thriller, and also in a big win over Solihull Moors.

Gateshead want to make up for lost time after they were deemed ineligible to compete in the play-offs last season and with more magic from Malcolm they’re on the right path

All good teams have defenders chipping in with goals, but Mark Ellis went above and beyond the call of duty.

The Chorley centre-back at 36 has really found his scoring boots… well, head.

Ellis – who scoffed at the reference to him being a ‘veteran’ and proclaimed himself ‘in his prime’ – has turbocharged Chorley’s title charge with his goals of late.

But solid performances at the back have also helped and he is the Magpies’ top scorer with only prolific strikers Tom Peers and Connor Hall scoring more winning goals this season that Ellis.

He hit the match-settlers against Buxton, Kidderminster Harriers and South Shields as well as opening the scoring in their draw against Warrington.

With all the title talk in recent months, Hornchurch have gone quietly under the National League South radar as they went about their business in recent weeks.

No side, not even leaders Dorking Wanderers, bagged more points than the Urchins in February and while at the end of the month they find themselves 13 points off the top seven with two games in hand, they might fancy their chances of a late charge for the play-offs.

Daryl McMahon’s side came from behind in four of their games last month to rescue points and also added a scalp of title hopefuls Boreham Wood to their record - helped much by five goals from summer signing McQueen.

The pacy forward hit braces against Bath City and resurgent Enfield Town and added one against Salisbury. The Urchins are suddenly looking up.