It has been a brilliant season for a few of our Yorkshire clubs in Division One of the Toolstation Northern Counties East League.
Pontefract Collieries have been the heroes for Yorkshire with their promotion-winning campaign. But, the efforts of AFC Emley and Hemsworth Miners Welfare have been magnificent. Hemsworth have been the surprise package with their exciting brand of football, while Emley have broken a number of club records.
So here’s Non League Yorkshire’s ‘Yorkshire Toolstation NCEL Division One Team of the Season’ in a 4-4-2 system:
Pontefract Collieries goalkeeper Craig Parry
Goalkeeper – Craig Parry (Pontefract Collieries)
Parry edges out Emley goalkeeper Adam Lawlor on his number of clean sheets. Both stoppers have been excellent for their for their respective clubs. Experienced stopper Parry has been a rock for Pontefract.
Hemsworth Miners Welfare right-back Andy Hayward
Right back – Andy Hayward (Hemsworth Miners Welfare)
He may be in his forties and no longer gets the goals, but Hayward has rolled back the years with a string of solid displays at right-back at Hemsworth.
Hemsworth Miners Welfare left-back Cameron Clark
Left back – Cameron Clark (Hemsworth Miners Welfare)
One of many of Hemsworth’s exiting young players, who has been consistent for his side. He narrowly beat Emley’s Mikey Starkey to the position.
Pontefract Collieries captain Nigel Danby
Centre-back – Nigel Danby (Pontefract Collieries)
Another player in his forties, who somehow keeps going year after year. He’s Pontefract captain and arguably their player of the season.
AFC Emley defender Sam Jerome
Centre-back – Sam Jerome (AFC Emley)
The brother of Norwich City forward Cameron, Jerome is building an excellent reputation himself after being a vital cog for Emley this season.
Hemsworth Miners Welfare winger Nash Connolly
Winger – Nash Connolly (Hemsworth Miners Welfare)
The winger has been a thorn in many defender’s side throughout the last few months with his pace and trickery. He also has 15 goals to his name.
Pontefract Collieries winger Mark Whitehouse
Winger – Mark Whitehouse (Pontefract Collieries)
Like Connolly, Whitehouse has scored 15 times. Whilst Connolly is still a youngster, Whitehouse has mountains of experience and his performances have helped Ponte earn their top two spot.
AFC Emley attacking midfielder Max Leonard
Central midfielder – Max Leonard (AFC Emley)
Leonard set the world alight at the start of the season with his goals. Emley missed him when he briefly joined Frickley. He came back and secured his place at the top of their goal-scorers list.
Harrison Blakey in action for Yorkshire Amateur
Central midfielder – Harrison Blakey (Yorkshire Amateur)
Yorkshire Amateur’s season has surprised a few, but with players like Blakey and strikers Craig Heard and Joel Hughes, the Ammers are always going to be competitive.
Hemsworth Miners Welfare striker Nick Guest
Striker – Nick Guest (Hemsworth Miners Welfare)
Arguably the most wanted striker in Yorkshire. Guest is going to attract interest in the summer after being Hemsworth’s talisman. His all-round ability has helped destroy teams and earned him 34 goals in all competitions.
Pontefract Collieries striker Aaron Moxam
Striker – Aaron Moxam (Pontefract Collieries)
He was played out of position by Shirebrook at the start of the season. He left and joined Pontefract and goes down as the man whose goals have fired them to promotion. He’s got 29 goals – many of them coming in the big games.
Substitutes:
Goalkeeper – Adam Lawlor (AFC Emley)
Defender – Jack Steers (Hemsworth Miners Welfare)
Defender – Will Lenehan (Knaresborough Town)
Midfielder – Jordan Townend (AFC Emley)
Striker – Lee Holmes (Rossington Main)