Another hat-trick for
Natasha Lee

Bangor Ladies Player of the Year 2009
M.V.P. and Top Goalscorer makes it a triple succes

Bangor Ladies Football Club celebrated their 2009 season and named their Player of the Year for 2009, teenager Natasha Lee almost sweeping the boards at the club's annual Awards Dinner at Carnalea Golf Club - taking the Player of the Year to add to the top goalscorer trophy with an amazing 34 record breaking strikes this season.

The ex Bangor Academy schoolgirl also was the first name on the Sammy Mellon M.V.P. (Most Valuable Player) Cup, presented by the sponsors, for the player who makes the biggest contribution over the summer campaign - making it yet another hat-trick for Natasha - her sixth of the Seasiders unbeaten league season.

Having enjoyed both the hospitality and the superb atmospheric surroundings of the Bangor West golf club – the stage was set for the 2009 Player of the Year Awards to begin. Welcoming Ivan Mellon, representing sponsors Sammy Mellon and Sons, of Bingham Street, manager Andy Craig moved smoothly through the formal part of the evening.

In addition to the usual big three awards – this year the club announced a new cup, presented by sponsors Sammy Mellon, which would be presented to the Most Valuable Player each season.

The first presentation of the evening however, and the most significant is made by the players themselves who have the opportunity of picking their own Player of the Year – this is regarded at the club and the most prestigious and hallowed award of the evening.

With no real element of surprise, Bangor teenager Natasha Lee was announced as the Player of the Year for 2009.
A very popular Natasha has blazed through a quite outstanding 6 months at the ladies football club, smashing all previous club records.

The bright and very talented footballer only signed for Andy Craig’s Seasiders at the start of this season. Disillusioned and disheartened with her previous club, the change seemed to spark the youngster into life – as she was quickly scoring for fun and against every defence in the Coca-Cola division.

A regular pick, up front Natasha played in every league game and currently holds the club record for scoring in 6 games in a row also netting an amazing 6 league hat-tricks this season. Although obviously delighted with her contribution for the champion’s, mentor Craig believes there is more to come from the18 year old – who will remain a threat in Division Two next season.

This recognition by her team mates, who are solely responsible for selecting the winner of this award, ensures the youngsters name will join Cathy Duncan (06), Kim Dockery (07) and Christina McNamara (08) on the conveted shield. It also pays tribute to the efforts, work rate and strength of the youngest ever winner of the trophy.

Manager’s Player of the Year - Paula Dougherty

Picking up the Managers’ Player of the Year was right back Paula Dougherty. The management team of Andy Craig and Leanne McGarry recognising the growth in stature of one of the club’s most consistent and reliable performers.

She featured in twenty of the Seasiders’ 23 games, 12 of which were in the Bangor ladies unbeaten league campaign and coincidentally in all seven of the Clubs' clean sheets recorded this season by the league winners. Paula typifies everything a modern sportswoman should be. An intense competitor, who always plays strictly within the rules, never gives up, is an inspiration to her team mates and probably most poignantly – is always first to acknowledge the efforts of an opponent after the final whistle.

Although favoured to start at right back, Paula has also been utilised in the middle of the park due to the withdrawal of McGarry due to injury mid-season. Strong in the tackle and now more aware of her team responsibilities made her an automatic choice to pick up this award.

Top Goalscorer at Bangor Ladies 2009 - Natasha Lee

Top goalscorer was of course Natasha Lee, with a return of a fantastic 34 goals in 23 games – displacing for the first time in 4 years – strike partner Deirdre Savage, who has lifted this trophy for the previous three consecutive years. Natasha also finished the season as the third divisions most accurate striker, and second in the whole country.

As a forward, she is certainly a handful for any defence, very direct and decisively strong, this makes her without doubt one of the best offensive players in Northern Ireland. Current Northern Ireland captain Ashley Hutton, who coached the Seasiders over the summer was quick to spot a naturally gifted footballer and a player who is surely destined to represent her country soon.

Most Improved Player 2009 - Jenny Boyd

Next up was the award, again selected by the management, for who they consider to be the most improved player over the season. With Jenny Boyd named as the recipient following a fantastic season with 22 starts in 23 games, underlining her commitment to Bangor Ladies Football Club, she quite rightly picked up this award for the second time.

The Seasiders also added an award to recognise the young strikers season, presenting the teenager with a framed picture which featured some of her personal highlights and the team line-up of 2009.

Sammy Mellon Cup M.V.P. Year 2009 - Natasha Lee

Finally the Sammy Mellon sponsor MVP Cup – presented to the player who the sponsors feel made the most valuable contribution over the 20 week Northern Ireland Women’s Football Association summer long divisional championships.

Fittingly Ivan Mellon was in attendance to welcome back under the spotlight for the fourth time in the evening Natasha Lee who deservedly scooped this trophy to add to Top Goalscorer and 2009 Player of the Year Shield.

Without a ripple of opposition, everyone at Bangor Ladies appreciated what an incredible season it has been, and Natasha Lee’s contribution as part of the most successful team in Northern Ireland this year. Acknowledging the work rate and talent of their sensational young striker.

Not only has Natasha set the league alight with her array of sparkling goals – she has also maintained a high level of consistency, as a regular at all team events and one of the most enthusiastic participants at club training.

The evening closed as Andy Craig thanked the sponsors and also paid tribute to Assistant Manager Leanne McGarry, and Club Captain Cathy Duncan. The players celebrated and closed the evening with a champagne toast to the 2009 3rd Division League Championship.

Last Edited on 5-Oct-2009 1:24 PM