Sidley United's awards night

No less than 96 people turned up and enjoyed a delicious meal followed by the jocular tales of first team joint manager Andy Laskey plus chairman Dickie Day upon the distribution of the various prizes.

Midfielder Dave Ward was the night's most contented man after receiving the first team Players' Player of the Year award in light of a season highlighted by consistently good performances which improved as the campaign wore on.

Laskey and fellow joint manager Peter Heritage, who appeared to enjoy the evening even more than most, chose the versatile Owen Ball as their Player of the Year while the supporters' vote went to giant goalkeeper Rob Wiley, who has impressed onlookers since coming into the side under difficult circumstances back in November.

In contrast to the front side where selection required a good deal of contemplation, the reserve team honours were far more clear-cut. Andrew Copley got the nod from his team-mates and from joint managers Gerard Moyse and Andy Luck.

Pint-sized livewire Jordan Wood collected the Young Player of the Year accolade while the award for sportsmanship was afforded to Matt Dadswell who travelled back from university in Bournemouth to play or, more often, occupy the substitutes' bench in a number of matches.

The lovable Steve Lee, indefatigable Sheila Wilson, whose unstinting off-field efforts merit special mention, and Brian Martin also received trophies.