The 2026/27 National League season is now three months old, which means it’s time for the NL Lowdown team to reveal our October award nominees.
In the league itself, Boreham Wood have continued to extend their season-long unbeaten run, which now stands at 16 matches unbeaten – taking 44 points from 48 available.
Slips in form from Harrogate Town and Southend United have allowed AFC Fylde, Worthing, Yeovil Town and Altrincham to close the gap on the top three.
Elsewhere, Solihull Moors picked up back-to-back wins at the bottom, whilst Scunthorpe United parted company with Andy Butler.
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With October now over, the National League Lowdown team have each nominated a player and manager for our monthly awards, with voting available at the bottom of the article.
National League Lowdown’s Player of the Month:
To ensure fairness, each member of the team have picked out an individual player to put forward for voting.
- Dan (@DanTakesOnFooty) – Brett McGavin (Yeovil Town):
On opting with McGavin, Dan stated…
“McGavin is one of the fundamental reasons why Yeovil have had such a fantastic start to the season. Four goals in the month including an excellent hat-trick against Wealdstone during a 6-0 win.”
- Craig (@CPorte92) – Cory Adjetey-Brew (Worthing FC):
Upon selecting Adjetey-Brew, Craig added…
“The youngster on loan from QPR has had a fantastic October, scoring four goals. He is a vital part of a free flowing Worthing side and they were delighted to extend his loan until January at least. With his strong performances so far, there is no doubt league clubs will be calling QPR to enquire when January comes around.”
- Mark (@MarkSharpley1) – Aaron Blair (Eastleigh FC):
After picking Blair, Mark explained…
“Eastleigh’s talisman. You need goals when you’re out of form and with Blair, that’s exactly what you get. Easy choice for my Player of the Month.’
- Louis (@L_M_R99) – Morgan Feeney (Carlisle United):
Explaining his pick, Louis stated…
”One of the main reasons for Carlisle’s upturn in form and unbeaten in the month of October. Feeney’s leadership qualities were there for all to see when his side rallied with nine men to beat Harrogate 3-0 and popped up with a crucial goal at Solihull. The perfect captain for Carlisle at the perfect time.”
- George (@Georgeallen87) – Harry Isted (Altrincham FC):
Upon naming Isted, George added…
“Isted didn’t start the opening game in October, but has been exemplary since, arguably the best keeper in the league. Altrincham wouldn’t have the extra six points they do without his heroics in games against Aldershot and Yeovil. We know he is quality from his previous National League experience, and he’s continued to show that through October.”
National League Lowdown’s Manager of the Month:
To ensure fairness, each member of the team have picked out an individual manager to put forward for voting.
- Dan (@DanTakesOnFooty) – Adam Murray (Barrow AFC):
On selecting Murray, Dan added…
“An unbeaten month. After a disappointing start to the season, it’s been another outstanding month for Barrow. Murray has made them a team that the opposition dread playing against.”
- Craig (@CPorte92) – Rob Elliot (Carlisle United):
Selecting Elliot, Craig explained…
“The turnaround at Carlisle in October has been excellent, masterminded by Rob Elliot. His side have gone unbeaten, winning four out of five league games and now sit two points outside of the play-offs. He seems to finally be getting a tune out of his talented squad, and if this continues, Carlisle are a very dangerous contender in the play-off race this year.”
- Mark (@MarkSharpley1) – Craig Mahon (AFC Fylde)
After selecting Mahon, Mark stated…
“A phenomenal job being done at AFC Fylde by one of the brightest managerial talents at this level. Mahon is seeing his stock rise every week with consistently impressive results.”
- Louis (@L_M_R99) – Luke Garrard (Boreham Wood)
Regarding his pick, Louis explained…
“The reasons for Luke Garrard being picked are the same every month. Five consecutive wins in the National League with 15 goals scored. Alongside their league domination, his side progressed through to the FA Cup first round. He has created an unbeatable team who look certain to continue their unbeaten streak through November.”
- George (@Georgeallen87) – John McGrath (FC Halifax Town):
Upon selecting McGrath, George said…
“McGrath’s side have scored 12 goals in the National League throughout October’s five games, which isn’t a bad record. They’ve showed they can take quality sides to the end with impressive results over Southend and Yeovil and were unfortunate to let a lead against Barrow slip. Just four points off the play-offs, Halifax fans should be optimistic for the rest of the campaign.”
Voting:
Voting for the National League Lowdown’s monthly awards is now open. You can vote as many times as you like by filling out the form below.
Supporters can vote until Sunday 8th November at 3pm (UK time) – with our winners announced via our social media platforms as well as our FA Cup Review Podcast on Monday 9th November.
