Darlington’s Stephen Thompson is in the running to be crowned the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Fans’ Player of the Year after being named in a five-man shortlist.

Quakers’ leading scorer, with 18 goals this season, was one of 103 players nominated by managers and coaches at all 68 clubs in the three Evo-Stik divisions.

Fans are now voting online with Thompson’s four rivals for the honour being Frickley Athletic’s Gavin Allott, Belper Town’s Johnathan Froggart, FC United of Manchester’s Tom Greaves and Worksop Town’s Leon Mettam.

Supporters have until 11pm on Sunday, March 16 to register their vote for the winner, who will be announced on April 6 at the Evo-Stik NPL Players of the Year Awards in Barnsley.

Thompson’s team-mate Amar Purewal reached the final 15 in the running for the award.

Also highly commended were Sam Ashton (Chorley), Aaron Burns (Nantwich Town), Robert Dale (Blyth Spartans), Phil Dean (Ramsbottom United), Tom Denton (Worksop Town), Matthew Hughes (Skelmersdale United), John Johnston (Leek Town), Cieran Kilheeney (Warrington Town) and Matthew Warburton (Curzon Ashton).

Having won 2-0 at Padiham to make it ten successive league away victories, Darlington are at Heritage Park this weekend against New Mills for their first Saturday home game for two months.

It shall also be Quakers’ last Saturday game at Heritage Park for another four weeks, until April 5, although there are three midweek home games in March.

Meanwhile, leaders Curzon Ashton can strengthen their grip on the top spot when they play at midtable Burscough this evening.

Curzon are a point clear of Warrington with three matches in hand.