BALA Town Football Club’s Anthony Stephens has been named as the Dafabet Welsh Premier Player of the Month.

Stephens has been an ever-present and a leading character in the defensive back line of the Lakesiders this season, especially during the last two months.

The Liverpudlian, now in his second season with Bala, played all four matches during the month, contributing in both defensive and attacking duties, which has seen Colin Caton’s men move back into second place in the Championship Conference, ahead of Gap Connah’s Quay.

The last game of Phase One saw Stephens play a big part in their goalless home draw with the Nomads, before the club went on to win all of their February matches against Bangor City (3-2), Cardiff Met (3-1) and Carmarthen Town (0-1).

The strong left back not only scored from the penalty spot against Bangor, but set up the other two goals, whipping in free-kicks for Chris Venables and Stuart J. Jones to score. In the match against Cardiff Met Stephens his corner kicks resulted in goals for the same two individuals.

Stephens pipped the likes of Nick Rushton of Newtown and Henry Jones of Bangor City who both created great performances for their clubs in recent weeks.

Meanwhile Chris Hughes of Newtown AFC has landed the January / February Dafabet Manager of the Month award.

It all began for Hughes in the final game of Phase One when Newtown became the first club in the Welsh Premier to take points off champions The New Saints with their 3-3 home draw in the middle of January, which was courtesy of a late equalising free-kick from Jamie Price.

The Robins have since managed to climb out of the relegation places winning three out of three matches and putting the club in contention for the elusive seventh spot and an opportunity for European football through the Play-Off Conference.

The month of February saw Hughes’ men beat Llandudno and Cefn Druids, both 2-1 away, and also pick up a vital 3-2 success against Rhyl at Latham Park.

During those four matches the Club has seen the likes of Nick Rushton, Jason Oswell and Neil Mitchell step up and assist the Robins back to winning ways.