FEW people would argue that Ryan Clarke has been Worcester City's best player this season.

Since arriving from Alfreton Town last summer, the 24-year-old has produced a string of commanding performances in City's defence.

Whether deployed in his more familiar right-back role or at centre-half, in a back three or four, Clarke has seldom looked out of place.

No wonder former boss Andy Preece tracked him for 12 months before finally paying £3,000 for his services after a tribunal.

He is assured on the ball, good in the air, a confident tackler and is not afraid to stretch his legs down the flanks. He also chips in with his fair share of goals, having scored six before last night's Worcestershire Senior Cup final first leg at Redditch United.

Crucially, considering he has made the most appearances at the club this season, Clarke also has an excellent disciplinary record.

Of the 42 games he has started, the former Notts County player has only been booked four times. Compare that with 10 yellow cards and a red for captain Chris Smith from 31 starts.

It therefore came as little surprise to see Clarke named both supporters and players' player-of-the-year at City's awards night on Saturday.

Clarke said: "I am really happy with that, especially with it being the fans and players' award, they are good awards to have.

"You never really expect to win those kinds of awards. I just wanted to have a good season really.

"With what went on in the summer concerning my transfer, I just wanted to focus on the football side of things. I am really happy with how this season's gone."

With all due respect to his team-mates, Clarke was the only candidate for the awards.

However, Cameron Belford would have given him a run for his money had he been at the club longer.

Keeper Belford has been superb since manager Richard Dryden made him his first signing on loan until the end of the season.

Although City have conceded more goals than they would have liked, they would have leaked far more without Bel-ford's acrobatics.

Matt Dinsmore was rightly recognised as young player of the year after bursting on to the St George's Lane scene at the turn of the year.

He is one of several youngsters to have been given their chance by Dryden and he has taken it in his stride, scoring four goals from 12 starts.

Elsewhere, chiropodist Pete O'Connell and website chief Wayne Henley were jointly named clubmen of the year.

Sarah McDowell was Worcester City Women's players' player of the year, while captain Vicky Andrews won the managers' player award.

Debbie Band was also honoured for her services to the women's club.