SAM Reed’s love affair with the FA Cup has just got even better.

The Bury Town striker said it was a “massive honour” after being shortlisted as one of just five nominations nationwide for the Budweiser Play of the Round.

Reed scored twice in the Suffolk side’s 4-0 third qualifying round victory over Hampton & Richmond Borough on Saturday.

After finding the net with a superb curling effort from outside the penalty area in Tuesday night’s 10-1 trouncing of AFC Sudbury in the LB Group Suffolk Premier Cup, Read said: “I got a phone call from my dad saying I had been nominated.

“There are a lot of players who took part in Saturday’s matches, so it is a massive honour to be picked out, although the whole team performed well on Saturday and everyone was on the top of their game.

“I have had lots of messages from people already saying they have voted for me, which is nice, and if I was to win the award it would be absolutely fantastic.

“My goals tally in the competition is now in double figures. The FA Cup has been kind to me - match-days are always special and spur me to do well.”

The winner of the poll will receive a commemorative Budweiser Player of the Round trophy and he will also be invited to The FA Cup Final at Wembley next May as a guest of The FA and Budweiser.

Reed, who has not tasted defeat in the FA Cup since being on the losing side at Oxford City in 2009, will be looking to add to his tally when Bury travel to Blue Square Bet South Dorchester Town in the fourth qualifying round on Saturday, October 20.

The 25-year-old, who has now scored four times in 12 matches this season, was courted by higher-league clubs in the summer before deciding to stay with the Ryman League Premier Division outfit.

He said: “It would have meant more travelling, and I decided against it. I know I made the right decision - the players, management, club and its supporters have all been fantastic. I just love being here and can’t see myself moving on unless it is the right move for me.”

Chelmsford City’s Jamie Slabber has also been shortlisted for the award. The deadline is mid-day on Monday. To vote use the following link:

http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/News/2012/Oct/player-of-the-third-round-qualifying.aspx

THE SHORTLIST

Michael Barnes (AFC Fylde)

A brace from Michael helped Fylde to beat Conference North opponents Solihull Moors 4-1 and book a place in the Fourth Round Qualifying for the first time. He has now claimed six goals in six games.

Kieran Lavery (South Park)

Kieran’s cool second-minute strike sent Combined Counties League South Park on their way to a stunning 3-1 win against Brentwood Town from a higher level. He also set up Park’s other two goals.

Jeanmal Prosper (Arlesey Town)

Jeanmal was on target twice in the first ten minutes to put Arlesey in command against Brackley Town. The Southern Premier outfit went on to edge the Conference North’s top side 4-3 in a thriller.

Sam Reed (Bury Town)

Sam scored in each half and set up another goal as Bury put in a good all-round performance to beat Hampton 4-0, a team level with them on points near the top of the Isthmian Premier.

Jamie Slabber (Chelmsford City)

Jamie’s quick-fire double in the first nine minutes of the second half turned the game on its head. It proved decisive as Chelmsford won 2-1 after trailing at the break. Both efforts were headers.