Manager and striker make shortlist for April
AFC Wimbledon’s successful push for the play-offs has earned manager Neal Ardley and striker Lyle Taylor nominations for Sky Bet League 2 awards.
Five wins out of seven during April meant that the Dons secured a place in the top-seven with Lyle Taylor scoring six goals during the calendar month.
The Sky Bet League 2 nominations for Manager of the Month and comments from the judging panel are as follows:
Neal Ardley (AFC Wimbledon)
Steered his side into the play-offs behind a run of five successive victories and a 16-point haul from seven games. Proved that his previously free-scoring side can keep it tight at the back if necessary by conceding just three goals.
John Coleman (Accrington Stanley)
On the verge of achieving a memorable and unlikely promotion for Stanley after 14 points from six games lifted his side into the automatic promotion spots. His unshakeable belief in his players helped to keep any jitters at bay.
Paul Cook (Portsmouth)
His side have been inconsistent this season, but when it was needed he drew on his experience of winning promotion to inspire a 1-0 win at Wimbledon to secure a play-off place, one of five victories in their seven games.
Shaun Derry (Cambridge United)
His team charged through their April fixtures to collect 12 points from six unbeaten games as they almost stole into the play-offs. The highlight of a memorable month which promises much for next season was a 7-0 thumping of Morecambe.
The Sky Bet League 2 nominations for Player of the Month and comments from the judging panel are as follows:
John Akinde (Barnet) – striker
Six goals in as many games for the powerful forward, whose direct running and physicality have impressed throughout the League 2 season. Found the net twice in each of the home fixtures against Leyton Orient and Yeovi Town.
Tarique Fosu-Henry (Accrington Stanley) - winger
Three goals and two assists add up to quite an impact in April by the on-loan Reading winger. His pace and dynamism on the left of midfield have given Stanley an extra dimension going forward in their promotion push.
Fraser Franks (Stevenage) – full-back
A constant thread in the Stevenage defence this season, he has adapted to a new role at left-back with impressive ease. His versatility and solid tackling was evident as his team conceded just three goals in seven April games.
Lyle Taylor (AFC Wimbledon) – striker
His six goals out of a team total of eight proved invaluable as Wimbledon secured a play-off berth. Rangy, athletic and with an unerring eye for a spectacular finish, his doubles secured away wins at Wycombe Wanderers and Dagenham & Redbridge.
Winners of both awards will be announced on Friday morning.