Pearce takes award

The defender just pipped top goalscorer Richard Butcher into first place by a single vote as he took 31.5% of the 54 votes cast.

Pearce had a magnificent month despite Notts losing four of their six games - with one draw and one win also.

The 17-year-old earned rave reviews for his classy displays at the back that have seen many earmark him as a possible future England international.

His pace, strength and unbelievable composure considering this loan spell has been his first taste of professional action having yet to appear for the Blues, has amazed supporters.

Pearce missed the month's first game as the Magpies bowed out of the FA Cup at the second round stage in a shocking display against Conference South minnows Havant and Waterlooville.

But he returned as Notts improved but still lost to Peterborough United at Meadow Lane. Pearce conceded the vital free-kick that led to Posh's winner, but that was the only black mark in a fine performance against the divisions best strike pairaing of Craig MacKail-Smith and Aaron McLean who found the going hard against Pearce.

Then came his finest moment so far as he netted Notts' equaliser on the way

Pearce... December Player of the Month

to a 2-1 win against Shrewsbury - a goal that helped him to another Man of the Match award.

Unfortunately he was sent off as Notts drew at Dagenham & Redbridge, and so missed the defeat to MK Dons, but he returned as Notts lost 1-0 to Rotherham.

In that game Pearce was one of few to come out with any credit, as the Notts defence was put under a barrage of chances from the visitng Millers, meaning Pearce did a fine job in helping to keep the score respectable.

Butcher was equally impressive, hitting fine form with goals against Dagenham and MK Dons, and he scooped 29.6% of the votes.

Kevin Pilkington has been in good form also, and he came in third with 22.2%.

Although he has come under fire from some who bemoan his lack of goals, the hard working Lawrie Dudfield still picked up 9.3% of your votes - owing largely to some industrious performances and some intelligent build-up work.

The final product would undoubtedly have seen him challenge Pearce for the accolade.

Despite decent showings, Austin McCann and Stephen Hunt only took 3.7% each.

That Pearce won through despite playing in just four of the six games and getting sent off in one of them illustrates both his displays when involved and also Notts' current plight.

Season so far:

August - Richard Butcher
September - Adam Tann
October - Neil MacKenzie
November - Adam Tann
December - Krystian Pearce