Town Defence Dominates Again

“Ash Jackson has the ability, I feel, to play at a very high level in the football league” Grant Black

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The great and the good of Ossett Town gathered at Kelly’s Sports Bar last weekend to celebrate the individual achievements of the squad.

Ossett Town Supporter Danny Jon Kinge was the entertainment as he belted out a few numbers around the awards that were handed out by Chairman James Rogers.

Manager Grant Black, himself receiving the Non-League Yorkshire Manager of the year award on the night, gave the managers award to Ashley Jackson for a phenomenal debut season in which he scored 10 times from 49 appearances, the majority of which were at left back.

Of the award, Black had this to say “Individual awards are very hard when the collective have performed so well. This award, as could all of them, could have gone to a large number of people. I have given this award to Ash Jackson, the lad is a pleasure to work with and is an honest hard working team player and will take up any position asked of him".

"Taking that into consideration and add to that he has the ability I feel to play at a very high level in the football league. I have told him I will do my very best to help him on his way because he deserves the best as that is what he gives up, we are delighted to have him on contract here for a further season".

Tyrone Gay, named in the Evo-Stik League team of the season unsurprisingly did not end the evening empty handed, collecting the Supporters Player of the Year award, as well as the coveted Players player of the year Trophy.

Goalkeeper Leigh Overton, with 17 clean sheets from 52 games was selected by the clubs committee as their player of the year and Danny Frost was the clubs top scorer with 19 goals, having missed part of the season with injury the striker will be looking to be closer to 30 than 20 next season.

Jake Ellam was given goal of the season for his strike at Burscough, picking up the ball on the half way line he drive forward, playing a one-two with Brad Riley, receiving the ball on the edge of the area he opened up his body and curled it in. he recalls “At first it looked high and wide but it dipped and swerved at the right moment”.

At the game that day was a ground hopper, David John Preece, who in his blog described the moment perfectly “The only way to describe the goal was through a noise. You know the noise, it’s one that you make when you are in a restaurant and your food is served, and it’s an amazing looking and tasting meal, or the noise you make when you see a super car. The noise of appreciation”.

The final recognition was the Chairman’s award, handed out by James Rogers, who said of his pick “Since joining the club in 2015 this player has been a rock in our defence, excelling at both centre back and right back. He never shirks a challenge and will also put his head where it needs to be, irrespective of how much pain it will cause him. His gutsy performances week in, week out justify Andy Hawksworth as my player of the year”.

The celebrations were long and loud as the supporters, players and club officials reflected on what was a fantastic season, despite the last minute disappointment. With Ashley Jackson secured for next season Grant Black is already working hard in preparation for 2017/2018, and for the first time in a number of years the Ossett Town faithful will be full of belief from game one.

To view Mark Gledhill's images from the evening click here.

Updated 19:45 - 2 Sep 2019 by Neil Spofforth