ANDY Smith has become the first Evesham United player to win the Worcester Evening News' Ray Mercer Memorial Trophy.

Smith, who averaged a mark of 7.38 from 56 matches, edged out teammate Paul West (7.35) to take top honours and confirm the 29-year-old full back's consistency.

"I am delighted," Smith declared. "It's probably been the best season I have had for two or three years, while being a good one for the club. Everybody has played their part."

"Smudger", who was named Midland Alliance Player of the Season when with Strat-ford Town, is in his second spell at Common Road, arriving from Solihull in 1999.

Common Road manager Phil Mullen said: "He's had a tremendous season. His all-round game has improved dramatically and the type of game that we play has allowed Andy a bit more freedom."

Smith, is believed to have impressed Worcester City boss John Barton but, like his United colleagues, wants a second shot at the Western Division championship.

"If we can keep this side together with a couple of new faces then we might just do it next year," he declared.

The trophy is named in honour of the former Kidderminster secretary, who died in 1995.