GREG Hall told Witton Albion’s supporters he had been apprehensive about playing for their team after they chose him as the best performer this season.
The goalkeeper was a clear winner in a poll of fans and was presented by Tracey Collins with an award during a ceremony in the social club at Wincham Park on Saturday night.
“I’m 33 but I don’t consider myself to be old,” he said.
“However I never thought I would be good enough to play for a side at this level.
“I’ve learned that I probably shouldn’t doubt myself.”
Hall, who completed a transfer from neighbours 1874 Northwich last summer, has played in every Northern Premier League match for Witton this season.
No rival has beaten his tally of 17 clean-sheets in 40 appearances.
Danny McKenna and captain Rob Hopley finished second and third respectively in the supporters’ ballot.
Manager Carl Macauley said he had found it difficult to choose between Hall and Josh Wardle, another who started every game after stepping up to the Premier Division for the first time, for his award.
He picked the young defender.
“I always demand desire and commitment from these lads when they pull on a Witton Albion shirt,” said Macauley.
“Josh is somebody who embodies that.”
Wardle’s teammates agreed, and he received the most votes in a poll of those he has shared a dressing room with.
Hall occupied second spot while front man Will Jones, who took home the award for goal of the season for his left-footed instinctive volley in a draw with Basford United last month, was third.
Hopley and James Foley shared a prize for leading scorer with 16 goals each.
John Salmon, Witton’s chairman, said volunteer stadium manager Colin Jump’s part in making a ground-share with Northwich Victoria a success made him an outstanding candidate for this year’s Ethel Stelfox Award.
An auction to assist midfielder Will Booth, who has had surgery on an ACL injury suffered in February and is ruled out of playing indefinitely, raised £200.
Hopley announced the team would also donate money they have collected over the course of the campaign, originally set aside for an end-of-season trip to Benidorm in Spain, to assist the 21-year-old while he is unable to work.
Prizes
Manager’s Player of the Year Josh Wardle
Players’ Player of the Year 1, Josh Wardle; 2, Greg Hall; 3, Will Jones
Supporters’ Player of the Year 1, Greg Hall; 2, Danny McKenna; 3, Rob Hopley
Goal of the season Will Jones (v Basford United, March 23 2019)
Ethel Stelfox Award Colin Jump
Leading goal-scorer James Foley, Rob Hopley (both 16)
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