Ronan clears the Dec

Congratulations to Ronan Hale, who has been named December’s Player of the Month by the NI Football Writers’ Association.

The striker hit five goals over the course of the month, opening the scoring in the 2-2 draw with Glentoran before netting in victories over Dungannon Swifts, Loughgall and Ballymena United.

“After missing the start of the season through injury, my main focus was to get back into the starting team,” said Hale, who was sidelined with a medial ligament complaint until early November.

“I’ve done that, so I just see the goals and this award as a bonus. The most important thing is that we’re winning games. Linfield and Larne are leading the way, but we’re hanging in there as well.”