National League and National League South/North - Young Player Of The Season

This week, the nominations were announced by the Enterprise National League for Young Player of the Season, Player of the Season and Manager of the Season, for each of the respective divisions.

Read along to find out who gets my vote, and why.

By Pete Tscherewik

YOUNG PLAYER OF THE SEASON

National League

Nominations:

Oli Whatmuff (Rochdale) Josh Stones (York City) Abdul Abdulmalik (Boreham Wood) Malachi Fagan-Walcott (York City)

My vote:

ABDUL ABDULMALIK

Abdul Abdulmalik, by and large, THE standout player for Boreham Wood in 2025/26, dazzling and dancing his way through defences on many occasions - a real breakthrough season for the 23-year old. Having departed Championship side Milwall to join up with The Wood, the livewire winger has been touted for bigger and better things, with EFL clubs likely to be sniffing around for his signature again. 18 goals and 10 assists for the campaign is a very good return, never mind that performance in the playoff final where Luke Garrard’s side fell agonisingly short of promotion.

National League North

Danny Ormerod (AFC Fylde) Lewys Twamley (Merthyr Town) Jack Maskell (Darlington) Luca Thomas (AFC Fylde)

My vote:

DANNY ORMEROD

The hotshot of the North, who has had all eyes on him for much of the campaign — for all of the right reasons. Since his loan move to Chorley last season, Danny has continued to hit the headlines for AFC Fylde with his goalscoring exploits, including a goal from inside his own half against Macclesfield. Destined for a big move this summer, he scored 27 goals in 2025/26 and arguably could have surpassed Paul Blackett’s tally of 30 had he not suffered an injury during the run-in.

National League South

Wiktor Makowski (Worthing) Sonny Blu Lo-Everton (Torquay United) Henry Hearn (Hornchurch) Brad Dolaghan (Worthing)

My vote:

BRAD DOLAGHAN

Another player who falls into the category of “goal machine”, Dolaghan played a key part in Worthing’s campaign, as they were promoted as Champions of the South. Rising through the ranks, before a move to West Ham United, Dolaghan found himself back at Worthing this season and picked up from where he left off - 23 goals for the campaign, the highest of anybody in the league, another player who you’d expect will continue to fire in the National League next season.

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