NCEL Premier Division team of the year

Shaw Lane Aquaforce eventually strode to the winner’s podium after a superb title race in the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division.

Tadcaster Albion initially led the charge, followed by Worksop Town until Aquaforce came up from behind with their games in hand to lift the trophy.

Then there has been Tadcaster and Shaw Lane’s superb FA Vase run which captured the imagination of the whole league and brought them inches away from Wembley.

So without further ado, here is Non League Yorkshire’s ‘Yorkshire Toolstation NCEL Premier Division Team of the season’.

*Please note that Barton Town Old Boys are classed as a Lincolnshire club.

Goalkeeper – Tom Morgan (Tadcaster Albion)

Nearly all our Yorkshire sides have had trouble between the sticks. Tadcaster started the season with Arran Reid. Peter Lawrie has had to stand in when Morgan has been injured. Despite a few games on the sidelines though, Morgan’s clean sheet record is excellent.

Right back – Andy Milne (Tadcaster Albion)

He was a big signing from Scarborough last summer and he has proved to be Mr consistent in Tadcaster’s defence.

Centre-back – Stef Holt (Shaw Lane Aquaforce)

Holt was an under-rated player for Ossett Albion until the summer when he joined Aquaforce. He scooped nearly all the awards at their presentation night after being their best defender this season.

Centre-back – Sam Denton (Shaw Lane Aquaforce)

Aquaforce’s captain added to his medal collection with another Premier Division title. Alongside his defensive capabilities, Denton also chipped in with some important goals.

Left-back – Luke O’Brien (Shaw Lane Aquaforce)

It was between Luke O’Brien and Paddy Miller for the left-back slot, but the former shades it on the fact he has the winner’s medal.

Centre-midfielder – Luke Fletcher (Handsworth Parramore)

Throughout the many changes that Handsworth have made this season, Fletcher has kept his place and earned many plaudits.

Centre-midfielder – Tom Fleming (Bridlington Town)

Bridlington made the decision to recruit a younger squad 12 months ago – keeping only a few of the senior players. Fleming remained and has been a key influence on their season.

Centre-midfielder – Liam Ormsby (Tadcaster Albion)

It has been a good season for Ormsby, who recently memorably got engaged. He has popped up with some great goals and some key moments – including the last minute penalty in the Vase victory over Morpeth in November.

Striker – Sam Smith (Handsworth Parramore)

Another player who has remained with Handsworth, but that’s hardly surprising because of his goal tally. He then rounded off a great campaign by scoring the incredible last minute winning penalty in the League Cup final.

Striker – Lee Morris (Shaw Lane Aquaforce)

After dropping down two leagues, Morris was always going to a hit at Aquaforce. Thirty-three (or 35 if you include the Athersley debacle goals) goals later, he has proved to be one.

Striker – Shane Kelsey (Shaw Lane Aquaforce)

Kelsey initially said he had no interest in joining Aquaforce in the Premier Division 12 months ago. He must be glad he could persuaded and so must the club because he has been magnificent. From FA Vase goals to key goals in the league, Kelsey has been a big player. Just don’t mention that penalty against Barton!

Substitutes:

Goalkeeper: Josh Archer (Glasshoughton Welfare)

Defender: Paddy Miller (Tadcaster Albion)

Midfielder: Tawanda Rupere (Garforth Town)

Striker: Rob Bordman (Nostell Miners Welfare)

Striker: Joe Thornton (Shaw Lane Aquaforce)