Manager Stephen Howson compared James Oatt’s sacrifices to Manchester United legend Nemanja Vidic as the defender picked up April Player of the Month.

Oattsy’s outstanding month started with winning a penalty in the last-minute against Manchester Polonia, which Okera Simmonds then dispatched to steal a point.

A bitterly disappointing 3-0 defeat to North Walkden soon followed, but an injured and selfless Oattsy volunteered to go in the sticks for the second half in replacement of his injured goalkeeper.

Last weekend, Paddock’s number 27 was instrumental in a 4-0 victory over Signol Old Boys with the club claiming their first-ever competitive cleansheet.

“What Oattsy epitomised this month was sacrifice for the team,” said a proud Howson. “In the first game we had a new defensive shape at set pieces and corners and it was Oattsy’s job to get his head on stuff, in a Vidic style of doing it, just clearing anything that comes into his zone – which he did very well.

“He did so well he got a cut on his eyebrow which is the most Vidic thing I could think of anyone doing.

“Looking at the range of tasks that he had to do, his enthusiasm when being asked to do any job, his teamwork and sacrifice, he is everything a team player should be. A well-deserved Player of the Month award.” 

Oattsy and Stretford Paddock FC take on High Lane in a must-win clash this Saturday (3pm KO) as both teams look to progress from the Lancashire & Cheshire AFL Rhodes Club Group D.

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