September 2026 Player of the Month announced
Sat 10th October 2026 | League Awards | By Martin Fallon
The Winners of the Player of the Month Awards for September 2026 have been announced by the NWCFL.
PREMIER DIVISION
The North West Counties League Premier Division Player of the Month Award for September 2026 has gone to Oliver Hodgson of Longridge Town.
Oliver came through at Burnley and made his debut in the NWCFL as a 16-year old at Nelson. After two seasons there he moved to Bacup Borough after two seasons to continue his development under Brent Peters. He was named Player of the Month in the First Division North in December 2025. This past summer he moved to Bury as part of their newly established Emerging Talent Group, and joined Longridge in August on a season long loan.
September was a phenomenal month for Oliver who played in all six games that his side played in the month. He scored in every single game, nothing up ten goals in total. He scored once in the games at Irlam and Charnock Richard as well as one in their home game with Glossop North End. He found the net twice in their game at Atherton LR, and also scored twice at AFC Liverpool to give his side a 2-1 win.
His best in the month though was scoring a hat-trick in his sides win at home to Abbey Hey, a game that also saw him named as Man of the Match by Abbey Hey due to his performance.
Congratulations Oliver!
FIRST DIVISION NORTH
The First Division North Player of the Month for September 2026 goes to Barney Wiggin of Colne.
Barney came through the ranks at FC Halifax Town before switching to Colne at the start of last season which is his first senior club. He soon established himself as a key member of the team and has really kicked on this season. This is the first time Barney has won this award.
September saw Barney play in all eight games that Colne played. He found the net in six of those games, scoring nine goals in total. He hit the only goal in the opening game against Bacup before scoring the second in a 2-0 win at Squires Gate. He also won Man of the Match in that game. The highlight of the month came as Colne thrashed Darwen 6-0, Barney getting a hat-trick as well as winning Man of the Match.
He scored in the 2-0 win at Tow Law Town in the FA Vase and then the equaliser at home to Holker Old Boys in a 1-1 draw. Barney picked up his third Man of the Match in that game also. He also found the net twice against Bamber Bridge in Colne's 4-3 loss in the Lancashire Trophy.
Congratulations to Barney on a fine month.
FIRST DIVISION SOUTH
The First Division South Player of the Month for September 2026 goes to forward Daniel Clarkson of Stafford Town.
Daniel came through the ranks at Chasetown and joined Stafford at the start of this season to help continue his development. He is certainly doing that if September is anything to go by!
His best position is deep lying midfielder, constantly breaking down opposition attacks and setting Stafford on their way forward. He did this excellently in the first two games of the month which enabled his team to record home victories over Allscott Heath and Alsager Town. Daniel was named as the opposition Man of the Match in both of these games, as well as grabbing an assist in each of them.
Daniel was also instrumental in the 3-3 draw at Cheadle Heath Nomads as Stafford twice came from behind to grab a point, claiming another assist for Staffords third goal of the afternoon.
Congratulations Daniel!
September 2026 Player of the Month announced
Sat 10th October 2026 | League Awards
By Martin Fallon
The Winners of the Player of the Month Awards for September 2026 have been announced by the NWCFL.
PREMIER DIVISION
The North West Counties League Premier Division Player of the Month Award for September 2026 has gone to Oliver Hodgson of Longridge Town.
Oliver came through at Burnley and made his debut in the NWCFL as a 16-year old at Nelson. After two seasons there he moved to Bacup Borough after two seasons to continue his development under Brent Peters. He was named Player of the Month in the First Division North in December 2025. This past summer he moved to Bury as part of their newly established Emerging Talent Group, and joined Longridge in August on a season long loan.
September was a phenomenal month for Oliver who played in all six games that his side played in the month. He scored in every single game, nothing up ten goals in total. He scored once in the games at Irlam and Charnock Richard as well as one in their home game with Glossop North End. He found the net twice in their game at Atherton LR, and also scored twice at AFC Liverpool to give his side a 2-1 win.
His best in the month though was scoring a hat-trick in his sides win at home to Abbey Hey, a game that also saw him named as Man of the Match by Abbey Hey due to his performance.
Congratulations Oliver!
FIRST DIVISION NORTH
The First Division North Player of the Month for September 2026 goes to Barney Wiggin of Colne.
Barney came through the ranks at FC Halifax Town before switching to Colne at the start of last season which is his first senior club. He soon established himself as a key member of the team and has really kicked on this season. This is the first time Barney has won this award.
September saw Barney play in all eight games that Colne played. He found the net in six of those games, scoring nine goals in total. He hit the only goal in the opening game against Bacup before scoring the second in a 2-0 win at Squires Gate. He also won Man of the Match in that game. The highlight of the month came as Colne thrashed Darwen 6-0, Barney getting a hat-trick as well as winning Man of the Match.
He scored in the 2-0 win at Tow Law Town in the FA Vase and then the equaliser at home to Holker Old Boys in a 1-1 draw. Barney picked up his third Man of the Match in that game also. He also found the net twice against Bamber Bridge in Colne's 4-3 loss in the Lancashire Trophy.
Congratulations to Barney on a fine month.
FIRST DIVISION SOUTH
The First Division South Player of the Month for September 2026 goes to forward Daniel Clarkson of Stafford Town.
Daniel came through the ranks at Chasetown and joined Stafford at the start of this season to help continue his development. He is certainly doing that if September is anything to go by!
His best position is deep lying midfielder, constantly breaking down opposition attacks and setting Stafford on their way forward. He did this excellently in the first two games of the month which enabled his team to record home victories over Allscott Heath and Alsager Town. Daniel was named as the opposition Man of the Match in both of these games, as well as grabbing an assist in each of them.
Daniel was also instrumental in the 3-3 draw at Cheadle Heath Nomads as Stafford twice came from behind to grab a point, claiming another assist for Staffords third goal of the afternoon.
Congratulations Daniel!
