NCM team of the weekend
Last updated : 17 February 2008 By Gary Moss
Goalkeeper - Tony Roberts, Dagenham and Redbridge. The Daggers stopper was kept busy all afternoon by a persistent Grimsby Town side. The Mariners saw an end to their unbeaten run of 11 games but it was not for a lack of trying to score goals. Roberts has been the forgotten man of Dagenham's recent resurgence. But, he played his part with nine saves over the afternoon in the 4-1 win. With the score at 2-0, the custodian pulled off a splendid stop to deny Danny North.
Defender - Paul Turnbull, Stockport County. The 19-year-old was on the wrong end of a 2-1 defeat at the hands of local rivals Bury but not for a lack of passion. The Hatters man pulled in one of his finest displays in a County shirt to date with plenty of blood and guts. A determined showing at the back and always a threat from set-pieces did not deserve to be on the losing side.
Defender - Mark Arber, Dagenham and Redbridge. In only his second start in his second spell for the club, Arber is proving an astute signing from Conference high-flyers Stevenage. He marshaled the back four superbly and showed all the ingredients of being a Football League player. Composed on the ball starting the passing from the back in a great Daggers day.
Defender - David McCracken, Wycombe Wanderers. A fantastic captains showing for the Chairboys. In a drab game against Rotherham, the skipper scored the games only goal, heading home the winner. He could have had another if it wasn't for the heroics of Warrington in the Millers goal. Led Wycombe for 90 minutes in a game which would have been a fair draw.
Defender - Ismail Yakubu, Barnet. An all action display from the Bees centre-back. Barnet lost out to Posh 1-0 but Yakubu's star performance kept the score line down. Two goal lines clearances from former Bee Liam Hatch and League Two's joint top scorer Aaron McLean were the highlights in a commanding performance.
Midfield - Matt Hamshaw, Mansfield Town. A tremendous performance from the Stags midfielder. His passing was sublime with accuracy and precision. Never stopped working and kept the ball moving well against an organised Darlington outfit.
Midfield - Brian Barry-Murphy, Bury. Set-up the Shakers equaliser in a 2-1 derby day win over Stockport County. Barry-Murphy has been one of the most improved players under news boss Alan Knill in recent weeks. He produced two fine saves from stand in goalkeeper Adam Proudlock and was at the heart of all Bury's best moves.
Midfield - David Perkins, Rochdale. The creative spark for Dale in their last gasp 2-1 win at Bradford. Never gave up his fight and was rewarded on 12 minutes closing down to force an own goal and put the visitors ahead. He was a constant threat to the Bantams running the show from start to finish.
Striker - Alan Connell, Brentford. Grabbed a goal in Brentford's 3-1 smashing of Accrington Stanley. Wrapped up the win with the crucial third goal. An all-round good performance, a menace to Stanley.
Striker - Jeffeson Louis, Mansfield Town. Was jeered for most of the second half after being involved in an off the ball incident which saw home side favorite Alan White dismissed. But Louis answered his critics scoring one and setting up the other as the Stags came from behind to beat title contenders Darlington 2-1 on their own soil.
Striker - Gary Hooper, Hereford United One half of the formidable partnership at Edgar Street. Himself and Shrejil McDonald are running riot in League Two at the moment. Hooper shined over McDonald and added that little bit of class to their 2-0 win over Chesterfield. The former Southend man capped it off with a goal and takes his tally to four in five starts for the Bulls.
