Words John Edwards Pictures Jonathan Moore

Ethan Ross has proved it time and again, to the point where no-one can be in any doubt - he is the best goalkeeper in the Vanarama National League.

Just over a year on from joining Altrincham, initially on loan and then, thankfully, on a permanent basis, the giant keeper continues to gain admirers with his commanding presence and ability to make saves that are often as crucial as they are eye-catching.

There was another at Barnet on Tuesday night, when, with the scorers still level late on, he somehow got a hand to a low, driven shot from close in that had goal written all over it.

Barnet eventually forced home a winner in stoppage time, but Ethan so nearly safeguarded a point with a quite exceptional reflex save that underlined why he is widely regarded as the best in the business.

It's an accolade that is richly deserved and that few would dispute, but it would be nice to have it recognised by all and sundry, formally ratified and made official.

Alty fans can help make that happen now by casting their vote for Ethan, and brilliant former Alty attacking midfielder Chris Conn-Clarke, in the Armstrong Projects Northwest Football Awards, the UK's biggest regional awards event.

Ethan has been nominated in the NL Player of the Year category and Chris for Rising Star, and there is no question both would be worthy winners, should they be called forward when the silverware is handed out at the Gala Awards Dinner on Monday, November 25th at The Point, Emirates Old Trafford, home of Lancashire County Cricket Club.

In Ethan's case, it would mean he was the outstanding player in any position last season, and few would quibble with that after the contribution he made to a memorable campaign for the Robins, in which they finished fourth and lost only to eventually-promoted Bromley in the play-offs.

And it's difficult to think of anyone whose star rose quite as steeply as that of Chris, whose tally of goals and assists was the best in the league and enough to earn him a club record move to League One Peterborough United.

Come on, Alty fans, get voting here now and help earn some due recognition for two key figures from a campaign none of us will forget.