NEW striker Andy Bishop is the Preston and Duckworth Jewellers/Evening Press Player of the Month for August.

Bishop has won the award, which is based on readers' votes and my match ratings, after collecting ten points.

The former Walsall striker is still waiting for his first goal in City colours after five matches but has impressed fans with his work-rate and ball control.

He was our readers' top man - and mine - in the 4-0 defeat at Gravesend & Northfleet while teenage substitute goalkeeper David Stockdale was the unanimous choice against Accrington Stanley.

Bishop will be presented with a Tissot watch at City's next home game against Northwich Victoria on Saturday, September 18.

City boss Chris Brass was happy with Bishop's accolade but still thinks there's more to come from the former Walsall forward, saying: "It's his first full season in a first team and he's on a learning curve but he's had a good first month so I hope he can build on that. I hope he gets a goal now because that would give him a lot more confidence.

"I placed my trust in him and put my neck on the line by saying, 'I want you, there's a deal', while one or two other clubs were enquiring. He was unfortunate with injuries last season and is still not 100 per cent match fit. It will take time but he's getting there."

The award will be handed over by City supporter Mat Wood, who will also receive a watch from Preston and Duckworth after being the lucky winner of our free draw, which included all readers that sent us their man-of-the-match votes during last month.

To stand a chance of presenting September's Player of the Month award and receiving a watch, just e-mail dave.flett@ycp.co.uk with your man-of-the-match choice at any of this City's forthcoming matches.

You can also drop your vote in to our Evening Press offices at 76-86 Walmgate with your name, address and telephone number included.

The final August standings were: Andy Bishop 10, Darren Dunning 8, David Stockdale 5, Paul Groves 3, Paul Robinson 3, Steve Davis 2, Kevin Donovan 2, Dave Merris 2, Bryan Stewart 2, Chris Brass 1, Paul Crichton 1, Graeme Law 1.

Going into this afternoon's match at Dagenham & Redbridge, Bishop and Dunning were joint-leaders of our Evening Press Player of the Year contest.

Bishop moved level on points at the top after a man-of-the-match performance during last Saturday's dismal 4-0 drubbing at Gravesend & Northfleet.

Two points also went to debutant Kevin Donovan with Paul Crichton picking up the remaining point.

Goalkeeper David Stockdale was awarded maximum points against Accrington Stanley on Tuesday night after being handed his home debut because of Chris Porter's controversial sending off.

Dave Merris (two) and player-boss Chris Brass (one) also picked up their first points of the season.

Standings: Bishop 6, Dunning 6, Groves 3, Robinson 3, Stockdale 3, Davis 2, Donovan 2, Merris 2, Brass 1, Crichton 1 , Law 1.

Updated: 10:39 Saturday, September 04, 2004