Nathan wins league award

Ards striker Nathan McConnell has had plenty to celebrate at the start of this season. Not only is he Ards' and the league's top goal-scorer but he's just been named Carling Championship Player of the Month.

The former Cliftonville and Ballymena striker has found the net eight times since his summer move from Carrick Rangers and in doing so has set a new club record at Ards. His run of scoring in the opening seven games of the season breaks a record that has stood for over half a century.

Not surprisingly the player's goal-scoring exploits have brought him to the attention of the Northern Ireland Football Writers who have awarded him their Player of the Month award for August.

Nathan McConnell receives the Carling Northern Ireland Football Writers
Championship Player of the Month for August from Carling’s Paula Nesbitt and
Carling referee Laurina Kennedy
Picture: Carling/NI Football Writers

Collecting the award, McConnell said: "I managed to score seven goals in six games in August, and I’m thrilled to win this award from sponsors Carling and our local Football Writers, but I have to pay tribute to my team mates, without their support and service I wouldn’t have been able to score the goals.

“The Championship is very competitive because there is a lot of Premiership experience in the league. I’ve probably had a stop-start career in the Irish League and have been at a few clubs but I’m very happy at Ards.

“I’m really enjoying getting 90 minutes every week, even though I didn’t know if I was going to be able to play this season due to a really bad knee injury. I never set myself targets and at the minute I’m just happy to be playing every week and helping the club do well, for that is paramount.”

McConnell came out on top, ahead of Newry City's Stephen Hughes and Davy Patton of Tobermore United.

Carling’s Jordana Grimes said, "Nathan has really stood out this month with his performance for Ards and has made a great start to the new season. Carling is delighted to be at the heart of local football, supporting local talent, and bringing local people back to the game.”

12th September 2011

ardsfc.co.uk