ON-LOAN Doncaster Rovers defender Jon Maloney is making a strong bid to become York City's Player of the Month for January.

Maloney moved three points behind recalled goalkeeper Chris Porter in the race to win the Preston and Duckworth Jewellers' and Evening Press award after being our choice and the supporters' choice as man of the match during the 3-0 FA Trophy defeat at Burton Albion.

That earned the teenage centre back five points with Dave Merris (two) and Paul Groves (one) picking up the remaining points on offer as our second and third-highest rated players.

Don't forget to e-mail dave.flett@ycp.co.uk with your man-of-the-match choice from any of City's January fixtures to stand a chance of presenting the award as well as winning a Tissot watch for yourself courtesy of Preston and Duckworth. You can also drop your vote in at our 76-86 Walmgate offices.

Current Evening Press Player of the Year standings: Merris 19 points, Stockdale 16, Dunning 15, Bishop 12, Groves 11, Paul D Robinson 11, Pearson 10, Donovan 9, Brass 8, Davies 7, McGurk 7, Paul Robinson 7, Stewart 6, Yalcin 6, Porter 5, Grant 4, Maloney 4, Davis 3, Nogan 3, Law 2, Arthur 1, Crichton 1, Staley 1.

Preston and Duckworth Jewellers and Evening Press Player of the Month for January latest standings: Porter 9, Groves 6, Maloney 6, Merris 2, Bishop 1.

Updated: 10:53 Saturday, January 22, 2005