There’s a new name in the winners’ circle when it comes to the McCrea Financial Services Player of the Month award with Ben Stanway picking up his first such prize for his performances during December.

The 19-year-old midfielder edged out Aidan Fitzpatrick, Lewis Neilson and Harry Milne in a tight Twitter poll while dominating the website vote, earning almost half the ballot.

Stanway started all five games during December, continuing to impress in his deeper midfield role alongside either Kerr McInroy or Stuart Bannigan in the Jags’ engine room.

His performances in the team’s wins over Airdrieonians and Dunfermline were particularly impressive as he contributed to two steadfast defensive efforts with numerous blocks, tackles and interceptions.

After being presented with the award, Ben said:

“This season has obviously been a big one for me in terms of getting my chance in the first team here at Thistle and I felt like December was one of my best months yet so to get recognition from the fans for that feels amazing.

“I’m still learning and of course it wasn’t a perfect month by any means but I do think I’m improving with every game I play. That comes from the manager showing his faith in me and letting me play football every week.

“The aim for me is to keep pushing myself and make sure I’m contributing to the team. We’re in a good position at the moment and as a group we feel we’ve still got potential to get even better so it’s an exciting place to be at the moment.”

This season McCrea Financial Services is making a donation each month to a charity of the player of the month winner’s choice. Ben Stanway has chosen to split his donation between CHAS Robin House and MS Revive which he explained a bit more about:

“These are two causes that are very close to my heart. The Robin House is a hospice in Balloch which helps children and young people with serious illnesses and Revive MS are a charity who exist to support people in Scotland who are dealing with Multiple Sclerosis.

“Both charities do fantastic work to help people in a number of different ways and I’m pleased to be able to send my award donation to them.”