Dave Challinor (Stockport County)

The momentum Stockport have built up since they acclimatised to life back in the EFL lifted Challinor’s side into the play-off positions. Such was their consistency, they scored at least two goals in each of their five wins from six games.

Matt Gray (Sutton United)

Second season syndrome might have swallowed up Sutton were it not Gray’s beliefs in his methods and his players. As injuries cleared up, Sutton climbed into the promotion picture, collecting 11 points from five tricky-looking games.

Mark Hughes (Bradford City)

Hughes spoke glowingly about the challenges of managing in League Two, re-affirming his commitment to Bradford. His team responded to his words. The highlight of their 13-point haul from six games was a 3-2 win at high-flying Stevenage.

Richie Wellens (Leyton Orient)

Wellens transformed a difficult January for his side into a fabulous February as he re-established Orient’s fluency and re-asserted their status as promotion favourites, leading them calmly to a stellar 14 points from six unbeaten games.

The February nominations for the Sky Bet League Two Player of the Month Award are:

Will Collar (Stockport County) – midfielder

Collar’s energy and stamina earned their rewards with five goals and an assist in six games, all arriving late from midfield. His box-to-box dynamism saw him score a variety of goals, the highlight being a lovely strike on the run at Rochdale.

Andy Cook (Bradford City) – striker

Cook’s season is playing out perfectly after Mark Hughes wisely rested him in January. He returned refreshed and on fire with five goals and two assists in six games. Three were dominant headers, another a mazy individual dribble.

Dan Kemp (Hartlepool United) – midfielder

Kemp has made a stunning impact with five goals in six games after arriving on transfer deadline day. And this in a struggling side and playing three different positions. He struck a brilliant free-kick against Sutton and then did it again at Wimbledon.

Elliot Watt (Salford City) – defensive midfielder

Sitting at the base of the Salford midfield, Watt’s tenacious tackling has won admirers all season, while his vision and technique mean he has more assists than anyone in the EFL. His four in February included a hat-trick of assists at Mansfield.

Sky Bet League Two: Manager and Player of the Month nominees

Sky Bet League Two: Manager and Player of the Month nominees