Duggan scoops the award honours for AFC Mansfield

Ross Duggan was the awards winner for AFC Mansfield after a season to remember.

Duggan scored 34 goals in all competitions in the curtailed 2019/20 season, with several memorable strikes throughout the campaign for the Bulls.

The striker scored late cup winners against Graham St. Prims and Hanley Town, and fired home a sensational 35-yard rocket against Bridlington Town which was eventually voted as AFC’s Goal of the Season.

Duggan also secured two competitive hat-tricks, firstly in the 7-0 FA Cup thrashing of Sleaford Town and the latter in the Bulls' 3-2 League Cup victory over Rossington Main.

The forward expressed his delight at the news: "I'm really happy about winning these awards; it really means a lot to get both, especially the players' one.

"I really hope I can match last season, and if I do better then that will be great.

"I absolutely cannot wait to get back going," he added, "I've been doing my own training recently and looking after myself better than usual so I hope to be a lot fitter next season.

"I just can't wait to get a ball at my feet. I hope [the restart] is September at the latest as I don't think I can wait any longer!"

Bulls boss Matt Chatfield was also extremely pleased to see Duggan's instant success with the club.

"Ross has been fantastic for us," he said, "we took a gamble on him as we knew his scoring abilities but had to adjust his attitude and confidence.

"But the work hard work from both sides has paid off, Ross has worked hard in training, in games and most importantly at home to get to where he has this season.

"It's just a shame he couldn't finish the season and see how many he could have actually scored.

"All I know is I can't wait to see him back playing again next season."

With the arrival of forwards Matt Sykes and Lynton Karkach, Chatfield said he is excited to see the potential of the Bulls' front line in the next campaign.

"I think we have signed very well with regards to Matty Sykes and Lynton [Karkach], along with the hard-working [Luke] Walker," he said.

"I think we have a great forward line going into next season and hopefully it will give us more goals."

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