Player of the Month accolade for Morecambe stopper

Morecambe goalkeeper Connor Ripley has been named the Sky Bet League One Player of the Month for November.

He produced the month’s outstanding individual performance in League One with two heroic penalty saves – from different players – to secure his side a point against Derby. He also made other important reaction stops at Lincoln.

Morecambe manager Derek Adams said: “Connor deserves the recognition that comes with winning this award after his recent performances for us.

“Since he joined the Club in the summer, he has proven to be a real asset to the squad we have here. He has produced some big saves at crucial stages, none more so than the two penalty stops against Derby County at the start of the month.

“We’re all pleased for Connor, who is a worthy winner of the award.”

Ripley said: “I’m really pleased to have won this award, particularly given the strength of the other players that were nominated.

“I’ve been shortlisted a few times before in my career, but this is the first time I have won, so it’s a real honour to have been chosen. To save two penalties in a match is not something you see very often, and to have made such a contribution against a side like Derby County was a good feeling.

“It’s always nice to pick up individual awards, but the focus is solely on the team and completing our objectives come the end of the season with plenty of points still to play for.”

Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman said: “Goalkeepers don’t always get the plaudits they deserve, but it would be impossible to ignore Connor Ripley’s efforts for Morecambe in the month of November, headlined by a stunning pair of penalty saves as his side earned a point against Derby County.”

Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies said: “Thanks to the heroic performances of goalkeeper Connor Ripley, Morecambe have improved their chance of extending their stay in Sky Bet League One.

“The Shrimps are still bottom on goal difference and as short as 1/6 to be relegated, but they would almost certainly be cut adrift by now had it not been for some excellent performances between the sticks from Ripley – most notably with two penalty saves in the 1-1 draw with Derby before making some other big saves to earn a point against promotion hopefuls Pompey.”