DAVE Merris seems certain to be crowned the Evening Press Player of the Year after a man-of-the-match performance during Tuesday's dismal drubbing at Carlisle United.

Despite an awful own goal, Merris was still our top player with few other candidates presenting an arguable case and the former Harrogate Town left-back was eight points clear at the top of the standings before this afternoon's home game with Dagenham and Redbridge.

Kevin Donovan (two points) and Graeme Law (one) were our second and third highest-rated players despite their four out of ten marks.

On-loan striker Ben Jackson picked up the two bonus points, counting towards the Preston and Duckworth Jewellers and Evening Press Player of the Month contest, by topping our readers' man-of-the-match poll.

Paul D Robinson was our top man at Hereford to bag three points. Chris Porter (two) and Steve Davis (one) were also rewarded. Law headed our fans' vote.

To be in with a chance of presenting this season's final Player of the Month award and winning a Tissot watch, don't forget to e-mail your top man in any of City's games to dave.flett@ycp.co.uk or you can drop in your selection at our 76-86 Walmgate offices.

Current Evening Press Player of the Year standings: Merris 28 points, Donovan 20, Groves 20, Maloney 20, Bishop 19, Dunning 18, Porter 17, Paul D Robinson 17, Stockdale 16, Pearson 10, Brass 8, Davis 8, Yalcin 8, Davies 7, McGurk 7, Paul Robinson 7, Law 6, Stewart 6, Grant 4, Nogan 3, Smith 3, Webster 3, Arthur 1, Crichton 1, Staley 1.

Preston and Duckworth Jewellers and Evening Press Player of the Month for April latest standings: Davis 4, Yalcin 4, Law 3, Merris 3, Paul D Robinson 3, Donovan 2, Jackson 2, Porter 2, Dunning 1.

Grey is the collar

York Minstermen will be running a second trip to Sunderland Greyhound Stadium on July 2.

The supporters group will again be sponsoring a race and have decided to call it the York City FC Youth Development Fund Stakes.

All profits from the evening will be donated to the fund, which helps support City's youth programme.

Tickets cost £25 and include luxury coach travel, track entry, a race card, four drinks and a pie & pea supper.

Call 07956 237270 or email yorkminstermen@fsmail.net to book your place.

Meanwhile, the York Minstermen Spring Raffle winners were drawn by City youngsters Michael Staley and Robbie Haw and organiser Ian Tyssen will be contacting the lucky ticket-holders shortly.

A cheque for £2,500 will be handed over to the football club and, with prizes still being donated, another raffle is planned for September.

Updated: 11:06 Saturday, April 16, 2005