COASTERS ROLL ON AMID A SEASON OF THRILLS AND A GRIPPING FINALE

NEWCOMERS King’s Lynn Town and Banbury United were the first to show as they topped the table at the end of the month.

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AUGUST 

The Linnets, relegated from the top-flight, won their first four games back at Step 2 before a 1-1 draw with Leamington ended their 100 per cent record, while Banbury continued their magnificent form in the Southern League the preview season by amassing 13 points from their opening five games.

We didn’t have to wait long for the first managerial casualty – the season was just one game old when Blyth Spartans axed Terry Mitchell after 10 months in charge.

Manager of the Month: Tommy Widdrington (King’s Lynn Town)

Player of the Month: Morgan Roberts (Banbury)

SEPTEMBER

FRONTRUNNERS King’s Lynn Town suffered their first defeat of the season at Kettering Town but still led the table by two points after a busy September.

Banbury were still impressing under Andy Whing, while AFC Fylde were beginning to make a charge.

By now, the managerial merry-go-round was in full swing. Paul Cox paid the price for Boston United’s underwhelming start to the season before duo Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley left Spennymoor Town after their FA Cup defeat to Clitheroe.

And just as the month came to a close, the axe also fell on Lee Mansell at Gloucester City, Steve King coming in in his place, and Kevin Wilkin surprisingly left Brackley Town after seven years in charge, replaced by Roger Johnson.

But perhaps the highest profile departure was that of James Rowe, who resigned as manager of AFC Fylde after being charged with sexual assault.

Manager of the Month: Alun Armstrong (Darlington)

Player of the Month: Nick Haughton (AFC Fylde)