Cymru Premier: Shortlist announced for monthly awards for December
Chris Venables of Bala Town in action against Penybont. Penybont v Bala Town JD Cymru Premier match at Bryntirion Park on the 7th September. Lewis Mitchell/YCPD.
Over the festive period, the JD Cymru Premier saw some stellar performances in what was a month packed with a busy schedule.
Wales’ top flight’s Player of the Month for December has been narrowed down to four nominees:
Greg Draper
With four goals to his name in December, The New Saints’ top scorer played his part in a month that saw The New Saints claim four wins out of their five fixtures.
Their most notable being away victories at Barry Town and Cefn Druids, where Scott Ruscoe’s men recorded 4-1 and 5-0 victories respectively.
It was the Boxing Day fixture at The Rock where Greg Draper made his mark, scoring a half hattrick as The New Saints went into the new year at the top of the JD Cymru Premier table.
Danny Holmes
From the league-leaders to their main title rivals, Connah’s Quay Nomads recorded three wins out of their four December fixtures, with experienced defender Danny Holmes at the heart of their success.
Andy Morrison’s men bounced back from a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Cefn Druids with a 2-1 victory over Bala, followed by two wins over Airbus Broughton.
In the latter of the two victories was the Nomads’ highlight in December, putting four past the Wingmakers, with Danny Holmes scoring the third.
Kieran Mills-Evans
Newtown boast a very strong defensive record, having conceded just one goal since November, coming from the penalty spot in their recent 2-1 win over Aberystwyth.
Currently, on an unbeaten run of six games, the form of defender Kieran Mills-Evans has been instrumental in their claim for a top-six place.
His performances at the heart of Chris Hughes’ side’s defence also earned him the captaincy.
The Robins picked up ten points in December, keeping three clean sheets in the process and look to take their run of form into the new year.
Chris Venables
The JD Cymru Premier top scorer Chris Venables added five goals to his tally in December and was instrumental in Bala Town’s victories over Penybont and Caernarfon.
In a 4-0 rout over Penybont, Venables took full advantage, scoring two goals in the latter stages.
In the two fixtures over the festive period, the Bala Town striker succumbed Caernarfon to two defeats, scoring three goals in the space of a week, earning him a nomination for JD Cymru Premier December Player of the Month.
The December Player of the Month will be decided via JD Cymru Leagues poll alongside a panel.
Not only was December a month for standout performers on the field, but also for three JD Cymru Premier managers who have been nominated for Manager of the Month:
Chris Hughes
Newtown’s impressive run in December saw them strengthen their grip on a top-six place, claiming victories over Carmarthen Town, Penybont and Aberystwyth.
Currently on a six-game unbeaten run, Chris Hughes’ side’s success has not come without big decisions, changing the system and giving the captain’s armband to dependable defender Kieran Mills-Evans.
The Robins will look to continue their unbeaten run in the new year, starting at home to The New Saints on Friday night.
Scott Ruscoe
It was inevitable that the JD Cymru Premier league-leaders’ boss Scott Ruscoe was nominated, having picked up some key results in December as they hunt another title.
Ruscoe’s men showed two sides to their game over the festive period, beating Cefn Druids 5-0 in a dominant display, while showing character to come from behind to claim a late 2-1 win over the same opponent just four days later.
Andy Morrison
Connah’s Quay Nomads sit just a point behind leaders The New Saints, having recorded two wins in the space of a week over Airbus Broughton, scoring six goals in the process.
A key result for the Nomads came in a vital win over Bala Town, edging the Lakesiders 2-1 with a double from Michael Bakare.
Hot at the heels of the leaders, Morrison will look to climb to the summit of the JD Cymru Premier over the coming weeks.
The December awards will be decided via JD Cymru Leagues poll alongside a panel.
(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)
