Player of the Month - February 2004

Paul Towler (Lymington & New Milton)

Paul Towler joined the Linnets in January, so it's no surprise that the run the New Foresters are having at the moment has coincided with the arrival of this influential centre half.

The former Ryman Premier League Hendon defender has been a huge success for Ian Robinson's side, making sure that during the month of February, along with the added improvement of the players around him, Lymington & New Milton conceded just two goals in six games.

The manager of the month went to Robinson for his part in masterminding six wins out of six. It was an easy choice to make, to hand the former Totton boss the February trophy.

Just as easy was it to make the decision that his new recruit be handed the player of the month for February. Comfortable on the ball but, more importantly in his position, a rock for any forward to try and get past.

His performances have spurred even the experienced Jimmy Sheppard to improve on his current form and, with Darren Curtis and Peter Smith either side of them, the back line for Linnets is looking as healthy as it's ever done.

Given the added ingrediant of Alan Walker-Harris in goal, they are now a side nobody relishes playing.

Walker-Harris incidentally deserves a mention for a fine personal month for the Linnets as well, keeping clean sheets in four of the six outings, against Moneyfields, AFC Newbury, Hamble and a Wimborne Town side who had only played one other league game all season without scoring.

Well done Paul Towler for an excellent month, a month that has put the smile back on the New Forest outfit - congratulations on the award.