Five of the Midlands' best in non-league

Whether it's been a milestone appearance, an outrageous strike or fantastic statistics, there have been some fine individual moments from some of the sometimes unsung stars of our regional non-league game over the past eight months.

Here are five who have particularly impressed.

1 Chris Slater

The Chasetown defender and stalwart is certainly not a new name on the scene.

'Mr Chasetown' – as he is known – recently made his 500th appearance for the Scholars, a feat only three have achieved before him.

Slater is looking as fit as ever in the new regime under Marcus Law and needs just 35 more games to become the club's record appearance holder.

An April Fools quip regarding the legendary defender continuing as a goalkeeper in a bid to extend the record was true to character.

2 Aaron Williams

He broke into the Walsall first team at 18 and made six appearances under Dean Smith at the Banks's Stadium.

After being released he struggled at Worcester City, admitting he was played out of position and pleaded with Rushall Olympic boss Richard Sneekes to be given a shot as a forward.

He has repaid the faith with 27 league goals – three ahead of his nearest rival, with one game to play and is set to secure the Evo-Stik Premier golden boot.

3 Jamey Osborne

The creative midfielder has done little to damage his burgeoning reputation at Hednesford Town.

An indifferent opening to the campaign was followed by a phenomenal run of form after the festive period, in which Osborne was the side's creator-in-chief.

The academy graduate has, not for the first time, caught the attention of a number of Football League clubs – and recently scored from his own half, for the second time this season.

4 Dan Cope

With one game to play in the Evo-Stik First Division South, Neil Kitching's Stafford Rangers are still in the hunt of a play-off spot, thanks to the 16 league goals of pocket-dynamo Cope.

The forward, who has struggled with fitness throughout the campaign, has often had to be content with a place on the bench at Marston Road but still proves to be Boro's biggest threat.

He crowned his season of with a memorable 93rd-minute winner against former club Leek Town in this week's Staffordshire Senior Cup final.

5 Luke Paskin

Ian Long's Tividale have enjoyed a phenomenal Evo-Stik Division One South debut season. They look set to finish eighth, but could face demotion due to ground regulations.

Any member of Long's backline could have made the grade, Paskin, alongside the likes of Rich Huckfield, Andy Parsons and Zac Foster.

It typifies everything boss Long is about – a solid foundation built on organisation and leadership.