So the time has come to reveal sportsperformer.net’s Team of the Season.
As regular readers to the site will know, Sports Performer reports on the Yorkshire teams in the Evo Stik Division One North and the Premier Division and Division One of the Toolstation NCEL.
The players that make the Team of the Season and five substitutes come from Yorkshire clubs in those three Divisions so let’s start.
Harrogate Railway goalkeeper Peter Crook
Goalkeeper: Peter Crook (Harrogate Town)
The goalkeeper, on loan from Harrogate Town, has been a vital part of Harrogate Railway’s excellent season. Railway boss Billy Miller said earlier in the season that Crook would earn his side “20 points”. He has won countless man of the match awards and has also saved a number of penalties throughout the season, including two out of this world spot kick saves in the same match against Farsley AFC on Boxing Day.
Shaw Lane Aquaforce right-back Gary Stohrer
Right-back: Gary Stohrer (Shaw Lane Aquaforce)
Leeds Met University student Stohrer burst onto the scene with his spectacular goal for Garforth in the Nostell Cup final with Ossett Town. Then Ossett boss Craig Elliott was obviously impressed as he signed him three months later and Stohrer became a popular player at Ingfield. When Elliott left for Shaw Lane, Stohrer was one of first signings and once again he has shown his qualities.
Ossett Town left-back Steven Jeff
Left-back: Steven Jeff (Ossett Town)
Jeff made the step up from the NCEL with Tadcaster to Ossett last summer and he has made it look easy. Jeff has been prolific from penalties and free kicks and has endeared himself to the Ossett officials and supporters for his excellent stint as caretaker manager in February.
Farsley AFC centre-back Paddy Miller
Centre-back: Paddy Miller (Farsley AFC)
When he arrived at Throstle Nest last summer, former Scarborough Athletic player Miller wasn’t even a centre-back. However, after impressive displays during pre-season, Miller earned his position and since then he has been exceptional and formed an excellent partnership with Matt Dempsey.
Tadcaster Albion defender Denny Ingram
Centre-back: Denny Ingram (Tadcaster Albion)
A big reason why Tadcaster have challenged for the Premier Division title is because of Ingram’s vast experience. Ingham has been a rock at the back for Paul Marshall’s side.
Farsley AFC captain Robbie O’Brien
Centre-Midfield: Robbie O’Brien (Farsley AFC)
He’s the captain of Farsley and he’s led by example. Arguably one of Neil Parsley’s greatest signings for Farsley, O’Brien has scored 15 goals for them during the season and for a midfielder that underlines his powers and influence.
Brighouse Town midfielder Dan Naidole
Centre-Midfield: Dan Naidole (Brighouse Town)
Brighouse are turning into the home straight in their quest to lift the NCEL Premier Division title and 23 goals from Naidole and his midfield position are a key reason why. He turned down Bradford Park Avenue earlier in the season and he’s going to get his reward for staying put.
Brighouse Town winger Ryan Hall
Right-wing: Ryan Hall (Brighouse Town)
For a young lad, Hall has been once again magnificent for Paul Quinn’s men. Just like Naidole, Hall has scored 23 times, but add the assists to that figure and that totals his true value to Brighouse.
Harrogate Railway winger Rob Youhill
Left-wing: Rob Youhill (Harrogate Railway)
After wanting to settle down and play a full season at one club, Youhill chose Harrogate Railway and he has been impressive since. From terrorising defences to scoring to supplying assists, Youhill has proven to be a key player for Railway.
Wakefield FC striker Rob Bordman
Striker: Rob Bordman (Wakefield FC)
Bordman has led a one man goal of the season competition this season. From 50-yard lobs to sensational free kicks, Bordman has done everything and propelled himself to joint top of the Division One North top-goal-scorers chart. There’ll be plenty of interest in him during the summer.
Tadcaster Albion striker Calum Ward
Striker: Calum Ward (Tadcaster Albion)
He may have appeared for three different clubs, but Ward has been fantastic for all three – Glasshoughton Welfare, Ossett Town and Tadcaster. After being released by Tadcaster last year, Ward set about proving them wrong and he hit 15 goals for Glasshoughton which attracted interest from higher-league Ossett. Ward proved himself on the bigger stage with six goals before Tadcaster wanted him back. A further eight goals have been scored since.
Farsley AFC goalkeeper Tom Morgan is one of five substitutes in the Sports Performer Team of the Season
Substitutes: Tom Morgan (Farsley AFC), John Cyrus (Shaw Lane Aquaforce), Nick Thompson (Tadcaster Albion), Danny Facey (Albion Sports), Tom Matthews (Brighouse Town).
There are obviously players who have narrowly missed out on being selected in the 16 so here are those players who deserve a mention.
Honourable Mentions: Sam Dobbs (Ossett Town), Liam Schofield (Ossett Albion), Shaun Connor (Ossett Town), Doran Jordan (AFC Emley), Matty Young (Farsley AFC), Carl Stewart (Tadcaster Albion), Gary Bradshaw (Scarborough Athletic), Colin Heath (Knaresborough Town), Nathan Cartman (Harrogate Railway).