SKY BET: Manager and Player of the Month nominations

United boss Chris Beech has been nominated for the Sky Bet manager of the month award for the second time this season.

And he has been joined by central defender Rhys Bennett, who has been nominated for the player of the month award.

Beech guided his team to a haul of 13 points through what was a month of exciting football which saw the Blues glide into the automatic promotion places.

December brought 11 goals from seven different scorers, and a brand of football which saw the team top the various stats tables for tackling, possession, passing, shots and expected goals after almost every game they played.

The Carlisle boss was also nominated in October, narrowly missing out on that occasion.

29-year-old Bennett became an immediate hit at Brunton Park with two goals in two games at the start of the month, having joined on a short-term deal in November.

His finish at Bradford secured an away victory for the Blues, and his performances through the remainder of the month have put him firmly in the running for the Sky Bet divisional award.

Also nominated for the Sky Bet League Two manager of the month award for December are:

Derek Adams (Morecambe)

The perennial relegation strugglers are now contenders thanks to Adams, who has instilled belief and fresh ambitions into the Lancashire club. They won five of their six December games, including all four home fixtures.

Mark Molesley (Southend United)

When the calendar flicked over to December, Southend had just one win and five points from 14 games. Molesley’s belief didn’t waver as he effected a remarkable transformation with three victories and 11 points in six games.

John Yems (Crawley Town)

Has quietly built a resilience in his side which saw them remain unbeaten in seven December games to collect 13 points. They were behind or pegged back in every game, but rallied each time in scoring a division-leading 14 goals.

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Also nominated for the Sky Bet League Two player of the month award for December are:

Wes McDonald (Walsall) – winger

No player typifies Walsall’s attacking resurgence more than McDonald whose energy and willingness to run at defenders earned a penalty, brought three other assists and two goals, including a 20-yard stunner at Tranmere.

Carlos Mendes-Gomes (Morecambe) - striker

From his native Senegal via Atletico Madrid and West Didsbury & Chorlton, the striker has found a home in Morecambe and dazzled in December, showcasing both dancing feet and scoring instincts with five goals and an assist in six games.

Max Watters (Crawley Town) – striker

Another six goals in six games for the 21-year-old striker who seemingly came from nowhere prior to joining Crawley in October. Two superb finishes as a substitute at Mansfield were followed by a poacher’s hat-trick against Barrow.

All winners will be announced on Friday 8 January.

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