COMBATIVE midfielder Gavin Melaugh marked his first full year as a Ballymena United player with his second 'Player of the Month' award in three months.

The former Glentoran midfielder has won many admirers at the Braid with his whole-hearted style of play, and has become a key player in Ballymena United's engine room.

A student at Queen's University in Belfast, Gavin appeared in all the Sky Blues' games during the month of January, scoring twice - against Glentoran and Crusaders respectively.

The award presented by the Seven Towers Ballymena United Supporters Club, which is currently celebrating it's 50th year, and was handed over ahead of Saturday's defeat to Linfield at the Showgrounds.

The award was sponsored by young supporters Chris Porter, Ryan Telford, Steven Moore and Aaron Stewart.