EVESHAM United defender Andy Smith has held off all challengers to win the Evening News' Ray Mercer Memorial Trophy.

The 29-year-old full-back was a model of consistency in the Common Road club's best-ever season in the Dr Martens League, helping them finish fourth in the Western Division.

That was reflected in our exclusive match ratings. Smith's average mark of 7.38 in 56 matches was enough to just pip his team-mate and skipper Paul West (7.35) at the post, and he thus becomes the first United player to take the trophy.

Smith joined United from Solihull Borough two seasons ago and is now in his second spell at Common Road.

He has also played for Redditch United and Stratford Town, where he was once named Midland Alliance player of the year.

He said: "I am delighted. I have enjoyed this season - it is probably the best I have had for two or three years.

"It has been a good season for the club and everybody has played their part.

"We have reached the Worcestershire Senior Cup final, had a good run in the Trophy and done well in the league. It was just a shame it tailed off a little bit near the end.

"If we can keep the side together with a couple of new players, we might do it next year."

Robins boss Phil Mullen, who was also his manager at Redditch, was also delighted at Smith's success.

He said: "Andy has been tremendous for us this season.

"His all-round game has improved dramatically. That's a lot to do with the type of game we play and the players around him, which has allowed him a bit more freedom."

Worcester City skipper Carl Heeley, winner of the trophy in 1998-99, had to settle for joint third place with Hereford United's exciting striker Gavin Williams, both players averaging 7.16.

Last year's winner, Worcester defender Martin Weir, was fifth overall on 7.13.

Defender Craig Hinton was Kidderminster Harriers' most consistent player in their debut season in the Football League, averaging 6.78.

Bromsgrove Rovers' relegation from the Dr Martens League came despite the consistency of defender Steve Frost, who finished with an average of 6.72.

The trophy, now in its sixth season, is named in honour of the late Ray Mercer, Kidderminster's popular and long-serving secretary who died in 1995.

Past winners are: 1995-96, Paul Molloy (Worcester); 1996-97, Lee Hughes (Kidderminster); 1997-98, Ian Arnold (Kidderminster); 1998-99, Carl Heeley (Worcester); 1999-2000, Martin Weir (Worcester).