Davies up for Player of the Month

Davies caught the eye with a couple of fantastic goals in October – he opened his account for the season by scoring a rasping strike to break the deadlock against local rivals Plymouth Argyle, and followed up with a wonderful strike from the touchline to put the Grecians 2-0 ahead in Scunthorpe.

But as well as netting two important goals, it has been the subtlety of the Welshman’s all-round play that has been recognised.  Dependable and forward-thinking, Davies has been the epitome of adaptability for Paul Tisdale’s side in a month where a bit of flexibility has been required.  Whether on the left of a midfield four or as the right-sided full-back of a defensive five, he has been comfortable. 

Davies faces some stiff opposition from the rest of the division.  Hartlepool striker Luke James, who turned 19 yesterday, has been unmanageable for some League 2 defences.  The Pools forwarded netted a neat lob when his side visited St James Park last month in an all-action display, as well as getting a winner against Plymouth.

Dagenham & Redbridge striker Rhys Murphy is also amongst the nominees, with a record of four goals in five games for the Daggers in October.  The most noteworthy was a chipped match-winning goal in a 1-0 victory against Southend.

Portsmouth centre-half Bondz N’Gala completes the quartet that is vying for the gong, as he helped Pompey transform their poor start to the season into a run of results.  He had an impact at the other end of the pitch too – scoring two headed goals against Rochdale and another against Bury.

The winner will be announced on Friday 8th November 2013.  The judging panel comprises Sky Sports Football League expert Don Goodman, Football League Head of Communications John Nagle, League Managers’ Association Director Olaf Dixon and Sky Bet Head of Football Paul Wiggins.

A reminder of Arron's wonder-strike against Scunthorpe United: