Dale pair land League Two awards

Photo: Jon Coluccio

Craig Dawson has been named the League Two player of the month for December.

Rochdale manager Keith Hill has been named League Two manager of the month, while defender Craig Dawson picked up the player's award.

Hill landed the manager's gong after his side went through December unbeaten, winning five and drawing one of their six games, leaving them five points clear at the top of the division.

Hill beat off competition from Accrington boss John Coleman, Morecambe's Sammy McIlroy and Kevin Dillon of Aldershot to land the monthly award.

Dawson's performances at centre-half have been nothing short of sensational this season. The 19-year-old has been linked with a big money move away from Spotland during the January transfer window having been an ever-present in the Dale backline since making his football league debut on the first day of the season. His four goals and performances during December played a major part in Dale's rise to the top and he beat Notts County striker Lee Hughes, Accrington Stanley right-back Phil Edwards and Morecambe forward Phil Jevons to win the player's award.

Rochdale maintained their five point lead at the top of the league after all fixtures in the division were postponed at the weekend. They will hope to return to action for the first time this year with Port Vale due to visit Spotland this Saturday.