Carlisle United's Kristian Dennis missed out on a player of the month award - to a Hartlepool United striker.

The Blues top scorer was in the running for the PFA Vertu Motors Legaue Two fans' player of the month for January.

But he lost out in the supporters' pool to the Monkey Hangers' marksman Josh Umerah.

Dennis had been on the shortlist after an impressive January which saw him score five goals - including two in United's 3-1 win over Hartlepool.

But Umerah, who hit Pools' consolation that night, took the prize after hitting three goals in the month.

The 25-year-old has 13 goals this season for Keith Curle's third-bottom strugglers, with Blues hitman Dennis on 18.

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The United frontman had also been overlooked for the SkyBet League Two monthly award for January, which went to Salford City's Conor McAleny.

Dennis, though, remains the bookies' 6/4 favourite to finish as the division's top scorer.

Second favourite is Northampton Town's Sam Hoskins at 13/8 with Bradford City's ex-Carlisle man Andy Cook 9/2.

The December fans' player of the month award when to United midfielder Owen Moxon.