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Jake Buxton

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Buxton named player of the month

Burton Albion defender Jake Buxton has won the Blue Square Premier "Player of the Month" award for November.

The former Mansfield centre back has been a key factor in Albion's rise to the top of the Blue Square Premier table, along with the return from injury of defensive partner Tony James.

Buxton has been an ever present member of a Brewers' rearguard that has kept four consecutive clean sheets and taken a maximum haul of 15 points from their five league matches.

Albion boss Nigel Clough said: "Jake has been good for us over the course of the season so far, but particularly now that he has settled down at this level since moving from League 2 in the summer.

"Our recent form has been a team effort but we feel that Jake's award is fully deserved".

Clough, who narrowly missed out on the monthly manager award after taking his team to their highest ever league placing, also had time to praise eventual November recipient Histon boss Steve Fallon.

Clough added: "Steve fully deserves the award, Histon have been fantastic."

In the Blue Square South the award goes to Leon McKenzie of Thurrock.

The striker found the net six times in six matches in all competitions as Thurrock moved comfortably into mid-table in the Blue Square South.

McKenzie also managed a number of valuable assists during the month as his side went on a goal spree in the league, scoring 14 times in four matches.

Lee Novak from Gateshead has won the award in the Blue Square North.

The former Gretna striker scored an incredible 10 goals in seven games during the period.

His haul included two hat-tricks, one of which was the fastest ever scored by a Gateshead player in their history.

Novak's side have climbed up the table to position themselves just outside the play-off zone in their first season at this level.