Another dull month for Dons fans, with just an FA Cup victory away to QPR to warm the heart, but even that was short lived with a disappointing exit at the hands of League 2 high flyers Coventry City last weekend.
Not for the first time this season consistent performances by any one individual have been hard to come by, so no player has shone on a regular basis to give an accurate overview on the POTM awards and that this month it has reflected in the result.
This month has been no different to those so far this season, Cisse topped the poll against QPR, mainly down to the fact that his goal was just about the only moment of quality over the 90 mins. The much-awaited clash with AFC was all about the hype, and failed to live up to any pre-match predictions, hence “None of the Above” topped the poll. The Northampton game produced a better than normal first half for the Dons, although a lifeless second half saw the Dons go down in a whimper, the only shining light being Tavernier on his debut.
Last weekend was all about Dean Lewington, and its hard to argue that he was almost faultless in the 50 plus minutes he was on the pitch and resulted in over half the votes going to him.
The results this month are as follows.
3rd - Conor McGrandles.
Despite being labelled by Robbie Neilson as a bit part player, he is slowly being recognised as one of the consistent few within the squad. Despite his slender frame he doesn’t shirk from a tackle, recycles possession, and is generally assured at passing with an attacking mindset.
2nd – Marcus Tavernier
The 18-year-old loanee from Middlesbrough made his debut against the Cobblers and put many of our more established players to shame, with commitment and determination and attacking prowess. He also backed that up against Coventry despite being forced to play out of position on the right wing and constantly having to check back onto his left foot.
1st – Dean Lewington
It says something about our season so far that a man can return after two months forced exile, play just over 50 minutes, and totally dominate not only that weekend vote, but score enough points to take the POTM accolade. He was though faultless, and was applauded every time he touched the ball, I do though confess I was a tad nervous seeing him as the last man when we had a corner, but even when a quick clearance came, Lewie made up the ground to get a tackle in. A few have pointed to the fact we looked comfortable with him in the back 4, and you can’t deny that, using all that experience he certainly gives you the feeling that he commands respect, and gives confidence, support and leadership to those around him, and it should be noted that his replacement in that position Cisse, made a dog’s breakfast out of the job.
A few other facts and figures from the month, “None of the Above” scored strongly again this month and would have been joint second in the standings on 19 votes.
7 players played at least some part in the four games this month, Nicholls, Agard, Williams, McGrandles, Ebanks-Landell, Wootton and Cisse, as previously mentioned McGrandles scoring the most on 12 votes, and Agard the lowest with no recorded votes., Nicholls scored 1, Williams 6, Wootton 2, Cisse 11, and Ebanks-Landell 7.
Thanks to everyone that took the time to vote.
WellDon TCR PLAYER OF THE MONTH RESULTS
August POTM – Lee Nicholls
September POTM – Lee Nicholls
October POTM – Ed Upson
November POTM – Peter Pawlett
December POTM – Chuks Aneke
January POTM – Dean Lewington