The First Qualifying Round hat-trick hero, star in his team's 3 - 2 victory over Liversedge, polled 51 per cent of the many thousands of votes cast on-line at www.TheFA.com

Curley beat AFC Sudbury goalkeeper Dean Greygoose who polled 37 per cent of the votes while Ashington striker Alex Lawson was third with 12 per cent.

Curley (20), who works as a fabrication engineer in Oldham, said: "I'm still in a state of shock and have been for most of the week. I've never experienced anything like it before. There's been a real buzz in the town and to win a national award of this kind is something that I'll never forget.

"Scoring hat-tricks in successive rounds of The FA Cup is something that most players can only dream of. To win the player of the round award as well is the icing on the cake."

Curley will receive an Umbro kit player package including XAI boots, training kit and an engraved salver.

Umbro will also donate £1000 worth of football kit and equipment to the local school, club or organisation of Curley's choice. 

The FA's Alex Stone said: "I'm sure that this award will give James and his team-mates a real boost ahead of what will be a tough Second Qualifying Round tie away at Radcliffe Borough.

"We would also like to thank all the fans who voted on-line for James, guaranteeing that grassroots football in the Oldham area will benefit from the £1000 kit and equipment donation from FA partner Umbro."

Over 2000 players from 198 first qualifying round teams were eligible for The FA Cup Player of the Round award.