THERE were few surprises when the awards were handed out at Evesham United's annual presentation evening at the Northwick Hotel last Friday.

Top scorer Richard Ball was named Supporters' Player of the Season, Steven Hands picked up the Players' Player of the Season trophy, while fellow defender Anthony Watson was named Managers' Player of the Season.

Young goalkeeper Darren Knurek received the Chairman's Award from Jim Cockerton, while fellow teenagers Will Gayton, Carl Boulton and Gary McLean received the respective Youth Team Players' Player, Player of the Season and Managers' Player of the Season awards.

Laura Westwood was the women's team's Player of the Season, Becky Handy was the Most Improved Player , while Charlene McLoughlin picked up the Manager's Player of the Season award.

There will be an abundance of new grounds to visit next season following the publishing of the Southern League compilation for the 2006/1007 campaign.

Evesham, who now find themselves in Division One Midlands, will face ten new clubs for the first time in competitive league action.

Barton Rovers, Berkhamsted Town, Bishops Cleeve, Chasetown, Duns-table Town, Leighton Town, Malvern Town, Rushall Olympic, Woodford United and Willenhall all find themselves in the newly formed section alongside the Robins.

United will again come up against Aylesbury United, relegated from the Premier Division last term, while old foes Bromsgrove, Cinderford, Stourport, Sutton Coldfield, Bedworth, Solihull, Brackley, Stourbridge, Rothwell and Spalding make-up the new division.

The latter have relocated from the Northern Premier League, a strange move considering Lincolnshire rivals Grantham have moved north from the Southern League.

Malvern Town, Chasetown and Stour-bridge have all earned promotion from the Midland Alliance, while Bishops Cleeve and Woodford have also gained promotion from their respective Step 5 divisions.