PAUL HURST praised his Grimsby Town players after their performances in October led to the boss being name the Vanarama Conference manager of the month.
The Mariners bounced back from an indifferent September to end October unbeaten, picking up two fantastic away wins at Wrexham and Torquay United to push them up to eighth before yesterday's game against Dartford.
Hurst's men also made it through to the first round of the FA Cup, where they will host League Two side Oxford United, after seeing off Guiseley.
A delighted Hurst said: “It's always nice to get some recognition as a manager, but you're reliant on your players and the lads have put in some good performances in recent weeks, especially away from home.
“We went to Wrexham on what was a big day for them with the massive crowd in for their 150th anniversary celebrations, and got a win. Then Torquay, who were going well, and brought all three points back.
“Those two results stand out especially, but we've also progressed in the FA Cup which is important for the football club, as we saw last year with our run to the third round.”
Picking up the player award is Forest Green Rovers' Rob Sinclair, who helped the club to an unbeaten month and earned the bragging rights over brother Stuart following his side's win over Bristol Rovers.
In the Vanarama Conference North, Solihull Moors boss Marcus Bignot has been rewarded for leading his side up to third with four wins and a draw from their five games in October.
Defender Wayne Thomas of Worcester City donned the gloves after just two minutes against Harrogate Town due to Jose Veiga's injury and his heroic clean sheet has earned him the player of the month award.
While in the Vanarama Conference South, league leaders Basingstoke Town claimed a fully deserved double.
Jason Bristow picked up the manager of the month prize while the players' award went to striker Chris Flood.
Former Crawley man Flood added another two goals to take his season's tally up to nine while the Dragons won all three of their league games and saw off Harrow Borough in the FA Cup.
