IT'S been a big week for Simon Friend as regards the player of the year race.

The Aussie collected the inaugural Player of the Month award before last week's clash against Dewsbury, and then promptly took the Evening Press/Collier Plant Hire man of the match accolade to pick up three player-of-the-year points and join captain Lee Jackson at the top of the standings.

Friend was presented with the March award by fan Ted Gomersall, who had won two VIP tickets to the game.

Don't forget you too can win VIP tickets to a Knights match plus the chance to present the next Player of the Month award simply by submitting your vote for man of the match in each game. Whichever player gets the most votes over the month wins the award, while every fan that votes goes into a hat for the chance of scooping the VIP tickets.

The fans' votes this week saw Scott Rhodes come out on top - pipping Friend by a single vote - and he therefore collects the bonus player-of-the-year point.

The stand-off had been a close second to Friend on the Evening Press' podium and thus picks up two more player-of-the-year points to move him up the rankings.

The third best player on the day, as deemed by the Press, was Nathan Graham and he therefore collects the remaining point.

To vote for your man of the match and therefore have a say in the Player of the Month award - and the chance of winning VIP tickets - send your selection by email to peter.martini@ycp.co.uk or by post to Peter Martini, c/o Sportsdesk, Evening Press, 76-86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN. Entries must be received by noon on Thursdays.

Player of the Year standings: Jackson, Friend 10pts; Rhodes, Brough 8; Graham, Elston 7; Ball Godfrey Forsyth 5; Langley, Callaghan 3; Briggs, Cain 2; J Smith, Wood, Hayes, Andrews 1.

Last night's game is not included in these standings. The two Easter fixtures will be taken into account next week.

KITMAN Stephen Harris was given an almighty job scare after the Knights' match at Bootham Crescent last week - although, looking on the positive side, it did highlight the strict professionalism running through the club.

Those at the game will rem-ember the match-day announcer politely asking for any balls found outside the ground to be returned to the club, as so many were kicked over the stands that they were running low. And Harris - aka Bomber - received this stern letter suppo-sedly from club chief executive Steve Ferres the following day.

"Dear Stephen,

"It has come to my attention that a number of balls were lost during the match at Bootham Crescent.

"As kit man, it is your responsibility to make sure that all balls are returned after each game. As you failed to do this, please note that a fine of £30.00 will be deducted from your wages and only two balls allocated a month. This is your final warning.

"Yours sincerely, Steve Ferres, chief executive."

A bit harsh, I'm sure you will agree. But hold on, the Bootham Crescent match was March 31, so the day after was... April 1. Said Bomber: "I knew right away it was a joke."

Yeah, right.

FORMER Great Britain international Lee Jackson, you may recall, had a benefit match earlier this year between two of his former clubs, Hull and Leeds Rhinos. And Knights fans can now purchase match programmes from that game for a bargain £1 from the club office (tel 01904 656105). The programmes were priced £2.50 at the match.

RECENT departee Damien Reid scored a hat-trick for Barrow in their 48-0 derby hammering of Workington last week.

I CAN assure you there was no underhand activity - but Evening Press Sports editor Martin Jarred won £40 in the Grand National Prize Draw organised by the Knights Supporters' Club.

Martin won Clan Royal in the draw and the horse finished second in the National to scoop him his cash prize (which hopefully the entire sportsdesk might make use of).

The first prize of £100 went to Nigel Bowling, who had Grand National winner Amberleigh House, while the third prize of £30 went to Samantha Smith with Lord Atterbury and fourth with £20 was Craig (no surname was given) with Monty's Pass. The £10 prize for last finisher was won by Ian Fawcett with David's Lad.

The Supporters' Club have thanked everyone who bought and sold tickets and Sylvia and Karen Pearson for organising the fundraising event.

A NEW stock of replica home shirts will be on sale at Monday's home game versus Chorley. The club shop will be open 1-2.30pm.

The stock includes new children's sizes from age seven up (£33.50), ladies' sizes (£39.95) and men's medium to 4XL (£39.95). Also new, and available in all sizes, will be white polo shirts (£23.00), players' track suits and smock tops.

Updated: 10:26 Saturday, April 10, 2004