Andrew Waterworth named NIFWA Player of the Month

Waterworth scored six goals in the month, as Linfield stormed to the clear at the top of the table with four victories. The former Hamilton Academical forward found the net against Dungannon Swifts, Warrenpoint Town, Ballymena United and Crusaders.

Upon collecting the Belleek trophy, Waterworth said, "I'd like to thank the Football Writers' for this award. I was delighted when I heard that I had been selected.

"Personally, this has not been my best season. I've spent a lot of the season on the bench, and I had to work incredibly hard to back in the team and stay in the team. It's fantastic to back amongst the goals again.

"For the club, it's also been a difficult year. The Irish Cup defeat to Queen's was embarrassing and we haven't been at our best for the most of the season.

"We have improved but we still have an awful lot of hard work today if we are to win the title."

It's the fourth time Waterworth has won the Football Writers' monthly prize and his third as a Linfield player..

Meanwhile, Ards star Eamon McAllister has been named Championship Player of the Month by the Northern Ireland Football Writers' Association.

McAllister scored four goals in February, finding the net against Dundela, Dergview and Queen's University. The 32-year-old also helped Ards to four wins and a draw against Portadown as they stretched their unbeaten run to five games..

Upon collecting the Belleek award, McAllister said, "It's an honour for me to win this award. I've been playing in the Irish League for along time and this is the first time I have won a Writers' award. It's been a good month for me personally, but also for the team. It's been a disappointing season but we have improved in recent weeks and we still have an outside chance of making the play-offs."

The attacking midfielder has previously played for Donegal Celtic, Crusaders, Ballymena United, Bangor and Carrick Rangers. He is now in his third spell with Ards.