Joe Murphy (GK - Bury)
Joe Murphy has racked up over 550 EFL appearances over his distinguished career, but this season has marked his first experience of League Two football. The veteran shot-stopper has been ever present in a promotion-chasing Bury side that went three months unbeaten after a Boxing Day defeat at Mansfield, a run comprising six clean sheets.
Neal Eardley (RB – Lincoln City)
Lincoln City’s title charge has demanded cool heads and the experienced Eardley certainly fits into that bracket. The veteran full-back was named Lincoln’s Player of the Season in 2017/2018 and the ex-Wales international has repeated his heroics from last season. Eardley combines supreme positional intelligence with a sound technique to provide a steadfast defensive presence on Lincoln’s right-hand side.
Jason Shackell (CB – Lincoln City)
35-year-old Jason Shackell signed for Lincoln City last summer and the experienced defender has proven to be an inspired purchase. The Stevenageborn man was a regular in the Premier League as recently as 2015 and it is no surprise that the robust centre-back has comfortably handled the demands of League Two football.
Krystian Pearce (CB – Mansfield Town)
Krystian Pearce has enjoyed a stellar season for Mansfield Town, proving yet again to be an insurmountable presence at the heart of the Stags defence. The Birmingham born defender has become a main stay in the Mansfield back line. Known as ‘the chief’ among his team mates he collected the 2017/18 supporters’ player of the year award and this season has produced a series of authoritative performances earing him his spot in this year’s PFA team of the year.
Harry Toffolo (LB – Lincoln City)
After signing for Lincoln last summer, Harry Toffolo has certainly lived up to his potential under manager Danny Cowley. Part of the Norwich City FA Youth Cup winning side in 2013, the left wing-back has made major strides this season, playing a vital role both defensively and offensively for the Imps. Toffolo is a relative youngster and his performances this season suggest that a bright future is in store.
Reece Brown (MF – Forest Green Rovers)
Previously a highly-rated youngster at Birmingham City, Reece Brown has enjoyed the best season of his fledgling career, hitting double figures for both goals and assists for Forest Green Rovers. The fleet-footed attacking midfielder has bewitched defenders with his skill and he has been a vital factor behind Forest Green’s rise from relegation candidates last year to play-off hopefuls this campaign.
Jay O’Shea (MF – Bury)
O’Shea returned to League 2 football for the first time since 2014 this season and the attacking midfielder has exhibited his class throughout Bury’s title-chasing campaign. The 30 year-old provides the forward thrust from an effective midfield five – posing a significant goal threat from deep-lying areas of the pitch. With an average of just under a goal every two games, the Irishman’s huge influence on his side cannot be underestimated.
Danny Mayor (MF – Bury)
Bury’s marauding winger has returned to his absolute best this season. The Leyland-born man has enjoyed his highest scoring campaign since 2014/2015, when he was fi rst named in the League Two Team of the Year. Mayor is a formidable physical presence on the left, where he is able to cut inside and pose a significant goal threat. His influence has been a vital factor behind Bury’s promotion push.
James Norwood (FW – Tranmere Rovers)
Norwood has been irresistible this season, with a regular supply of goals for Tranmere Rovers. The fact that he has done so for a club who have only just returned to the Football League makes his achievements all the more spectacular. It is no surprise to see the striker’s name linked with clubs in the higher divisions, as he has proved that he has the predatory instincts to go alongside his formidable physical frame.
John Akinde (FW – Lincoln City)
Lincoln City snapped up John Akinde from Barnet last summer after the centre forward plundered 87 league goals in 166 league appearances for the Bees. His goal appetite has shown no signs of abating this season and the powerful target man has provided the attacking thrust during the Imps’ title charge. Equally capable of scoring goals or laying them on for others, Akinde has endeared himself to fans and team-mates alike this season.
Tyler Walker (FW – Mansfield Town)
Tyler Walker has proven to be as effective as his iconic father, Des, this season – albeit at the other end of the pitch. The son of the former England international has set League Two alight with his lightning pace and instinctive finishing ability. On loan at Mansfield from Nottingham Forest, it would be no surprise to see the youngster featuring regularly in the Championship next year.
