2016 is drawing to close so Non League Yorkshire is going to take this moment to choose some of the best moments and stars from the past 12 months in the Evo Stik Leagues and Toolstation NCEL.
Team of the Year
Grant Black (left) runs to Simon Rogers after Ossett Town score a crucial goal against Harrogate Railway. Picture: Mark Gledhill
In our opinion, there are only a few contenders for this award – Liversedge, Penistone Church, Pickering Town and Ossett Town, and maybe a couple more. All four have had a fantastic year, but there has to be a winner and it is Ossett Town.
Ossett were doomed when Graham Nicholas was sacked in February after eight consecutive defeats. Grant Black came in, turned the situation around straightaway and Ossett ended the season on a real high. Black’s side have just kicked on and going into 2017, they sit second.
Hero of the Year
Shaw Lane AFC defender Dan Wilkinson
Shaw Lane AFC defender Dan Wilkinson sadly passed away in September
Villain of the Year
We’ll let you decide your own for this category.
Most Memorable Game
Hemsworth Miners Welfare 3-2 Grimsby Borough (January)
Nick Guest did more than kiss the badge when scoring twice for Hemsworth against Grimsby
Hemsworth’s prodigal son Nick Guest won’t forget this game in a hurry. Back for a ‘special guest’ appearance for the Wells as his then-club Goole’s game was off, Guest came off the bench at half-time with his side trailing 2-1. His intervention wasn’t until injury-time. A long range pile-driver to equalise in the 92nd minute sparked wild celebrations. That wasn’t the end of it though as a looping header won it for the Wells and Guest celebrated by jumping into the ground – if only there was a video.
Most Memorable Goal
Stocksbridge Park Steels midfielder Harrison Biggins scored from his own half in January. The clip has since been removed from Youtube
We’ve racked our brains and looked back. We could have gone with Garforth Town striker Mark Simpson’s exquisite Cantona-esque strike against Pontefract (which lost a few marks for the poor celebration) or any Rob Bordman goal from his long back catalogue from the past 12 months. We also thought of Danny Critchlow’s promotion-winning goal for Hemsworth Miners Welfare. But we have chosen the 50-yard-plus wonder goal by Harrison Biggins during Stocksbridge’s 3-1 win over Kidsgrove in January.
Most Memorable Moment
James Walshaw ran up the hill at Shaw Lane to celebrate his goal against Tividale
James Walshaw scoring with the last kick of the game in Shaw Lane’s incredible 3-2 win over Tividale to take the Evo Stik Division One South title race to the final day. Stafford Rangers were champions until Walshaw pounced, sparking wild celebrations on-and-off-the-pitch. Although Stafford would eventually be crowned champions, the goal ensured excitement right to the final seconds of the season.
Best Referee
Referee Drew Dutton is Non League Yorkshire’s best referee of 2016
This was a hard decision because they are so many good ones, ranging from the young to the experienced. There has to be a winner and it goes to an up-and-coming one in Drew Dutton.
Worst Referee
We’ve got ours, but it would be unfair to name him as he’s not from Yorkshire.
Raffle Ticket Seller of the Year
Selby Town chairman Ralph Pearse was critical about a small minority of referees in October
This award has to go to the seller at Selby Town. Mock Ralph Pearse for his comments about arrogant referees, but Selby are making a fortune from raffles now – no-one dare not buy one.
Comment below with your top moments / goals of 2016.
To finish, here are some of our favourite photos
Stocksbridge and Basford had to seek refuge in the dugouts after hailstones came down during the 2-2 draw in January
Steels assistant manager Ryan Laight watches on as the snow descends during the 2-2 draw with Basford in January
Unlikely scorer: Cameron Clark celebrates his equaliser for Hemsworth in the 3-3 draw with Hallam
James Walshaw bows his head in shame after missing a sitter during Farsley’s friendly at Garforth
Jason Yates pointing the direction Hemsworth were going in during April
Luke Mangham prevents Selby’s Mick Jones from getting to Sam Colbear during a pre-season friendly
Jones was red carded for his wrestling display
It was a bit harsh as Colbear did pull his shorts down
Hemsworth captain Jason Yates celebrating promotion with the club’s supporters
Conor Sellars, George Conway, Jordan Armstrong, Adam Baker and Carl Stewart celebrate Tadcaater’s promotion
Cleethorpes lifting the NCEL League Cup in May
Kai Hancock (centre) celebrating scoring for Athersley against Emley in August
Handsworth’s Connor Smythe wins a header over his team-mate Tom Dugdale and Stocksbridge striker Scott Ruthven
Rob Hunter realises he’s won the half-time raffle at Garforth
Scott Phillips celebrates his goal in the 4-2 win for Hall Road Rangers against Pontefract Collieries