A PAIR of former Newport County AFC forwards are in contention for League One player of the month as they hunt Wembley promotion joy.

Bolton's Aaron Collins and Oxford's Mark Harris are on the shortlist for the April honour after helping their teams to the play-offs.

They are up against Blackpool goalkeeper Dan Grimshaw and Reading midfielder Lewis Wing with the winner announced on Friday.

Collins, who came through the County academy before having two spells with his hometown club, made the move to Bolton from Bristol Rovers in January for a reported £750,000 fee.

He scored six times last month, including a hat-trick against Reading, to help Wanderers finish third and set up a play-off semi-final with Barnsley.

Harris, who had a spell on loan at Rodney Parade from Cardiff City in 2018/19, also struck six times to set up a two-leg clash with Peterborough.

The shortlist has also been announced for the final League Two monthly awards.

Stockport's Dave Challinor and Wrexham's Phil Parkinson are in the running for manager of the month after earning promotion and will go up against Grant McCann, who led Doncaster on a remarkable charge to the play-offs, and Bradford's Graham Alexander.

The players in the running for the award are Wrexham striker Paul Mullin, Stockport forward Paddy Madden, Harrogate midfielder George Thomson and Bradford City wing-back Brad Halliday.

SHRIMPS EXIT

Manager Ged Brannan has left cash-strapped Morecambe to take up the role of assistant at former club Accrington.

The Shrimps confirmed Brannan’s departure just days after the end of a League Two campaign in which they finished in 15th place despite having three points deducted for failing to pay their players on time.

In a statement on the club’s official website, Brannan, who had been in charge since November, said: “Leaving Morecambe has undoubtedly been the hardest decision of my life and one which wasn’t taken lightly, though I feel it is the right time for me and my family to step away.

“I mean every word when I say it truly saddens me to leave, though I don’t see a way in which I could continue given the current situation.

“To be up against what we have been with staffing issues, ownership challenges, the embargo, points deduction and late wages, I couldn’t be prouder of what we have achieved this season.

“In light of these challenges, what has become even more apparent to me over the past seven months is just how special this club is, with excellent support inside and out. The fans must stick together more than ever to keep pushing forward.

“I wish everyone involved with Morecambe all the very best moving forward, and I thank you once more for allowing me to manage this great football club.”