The 2026 NGAs: Two-time Golden Boot winner Joe Taylor has left the door open!

SK KITS Golden Boots

It’s going to feel quite weird hosting the National Game Awards this year with Joe Taylor not propping up the winners’ rostron.

The 34-year-old has picked up the SK Kits Golden Boot award two years’ running after bagging 48 goals in Ramsgate’s Isthmian South East promotion-winning season to follow up his whopping 53 goals in 2023-24.

But, unusually for the super striker, a hat-trick looks like eluding him, meaning they’ll be a new winner of the prized decanter at AFC Wimbledon’s Plough Lane Stadium on Wednesday, May 20.

While we obviously acknowledge and appreciate the roles of all players, managers, clubs and supporters in other National Game Awards categories, the accolade to honour Non-League’s top net-baggers in the shape of our NGA Golden Boot is invariably one of the most prestigious, given the high-calibre competition from Steps 1 to 4.

Steps 1 & 2

Competition like Ollie Pearce, above, who is in the conversation again for a THIRD year running this time round after another barnstorming campaign for National League title chasers York City.

Pearce has smashed 32 league goals for the Minstermen so far this season as Stuart Maynard’s men chase promotion back to the Football League.

Another in the frame for a third successive year is South Shields hitman Paul Blackett, who is again approaching 30 goals for the National League North Mariners this term, while Danny Ormerod has excelled for title rivals AFC Fylde.

He must surely come into consideration, too.

HOT SHOT: Joe Taylor, left, picks up his award from SK Kits’ Ian Senior

Steps 3 & 4

At Step 3, Shaquille Gwenge has plundered 37 goals for Southern League Premier South Poole Town, while league rival Ryan Seager has been on fire for Havant & Waterlooville.

Dawid Rogalski has blasted Walton & Hersham to title success, similarly, Jake Hutchinson at Folkestone Invicta. Both serious contenders.

Top scorer as it stands is striker stalwart Adam Boyes, who has smashed 39 goals for NPL East title winners Redcar Athletic, while Albie Hall is also well into the 30s after a storming season for Barton Rovers.

Any of these would be a perfect fit to grace the glittering NGA stage come May 20, but who will be crowned the official goal king?

HOW TO VOTE! Voting is now open! Make sure you have your say by getting your nominations into us by email to [email protected]