James Cully is among the nominees in the March poll to find the Belfast Telegraph Championship 1 player of the month.

James Cully Picture: Gareth McCluskey

The Ards defender is nominated for the prize after claiming a regular starting place and putting in a string of good performances during the last month.

James is up against competition from Glebe Rangers goalkeeper Matt McGraw, ex-Ards midfielder Paul Dickson, now with HW Welders, Newry City's Stephen Hutchinson and David Kee of Ballinamallard United.

The Belfast Telegraph's bio of James reads as follows: "The Ards centre-back hasn't always been first choice this season, but the big man who stepped up from playing with Portavogie Rangers has taken full advantage of injuries to Darren Nixon and Gary Spence to establish himself as a regular in Niall Currie's starting line-up. Cully performed capably for Ards in a 2-0 win over Larne, as well as in draws against Newry City and Warrenpoint Town, results which helped Ards climb up to third in the table."

Voting in the poll is open on the Belfast Telegraph website until Thursday 12th April, with the winner announced in The Park on the following Monday.

Previous Ards nominees for the award this season have been Ross Arthurs and Gary Spence, who was a winner in November.

10th April 2012

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