Gary and Gray Gather The National League South Gongs!

It’s time to meet your Vanarama National League South winners - and it’s all about rectifying and recovery.

It’s fair to say things were looking grim at a point in February for both Chippenham and Hampton & Richmond Borough.

But now both the clubs wish the season had a couple more months left to run!

Yes, champions Ebbsfleet United were brilliant last month but there really was only one candidate for the Manager of the Month award.

Gary Horgan’s Chippenham ended February in the relegation zone and were wondering what the future holds.

They needn’t had worried. They ended the month 11 points clear of trouble and all-but banished their relegation worries.

The Bluebirds came up trumps against the teams around them but also saw off the charge of play-off hopefuls Farnborough.

Beating Weymouth, Dover, Taunton and Welling United as well, they also claimed points against Concord and Eastbourne Borough.

Hampton & Richmond Borough fans know what it feels like to not get their season into gear until the Spring rolls around.

They too were in deep trouble heading into March but like the lambs seen in southwest London at this time of the year, they have sprung into life!

The Beavers have pulled clear of the drop zone with an incredible run of form and much of that was down to a fan favourite.

Captain Jake Gray has been ‘Mr Reliable’ in the midfield and has been more than key to Hampton’s resurgence.

It’s been far from a one-man mission, but they ended last month eight points clear of trouble.

Chipping in with three goals as well including a double against Dover, he also made an appearance in the Vanarama Team of the Week.

In March, Hampton won at Taunton, against Chelmsford, at home to Cheshunt and Taunton again and at Dover.

Their skipper had a big say in all those victories and the planning for next year’s National League South campaign can almost start.

Well done to Gary and to Jake!