NIC Evangelinos scooped a hat-trick of prizes as Ramsbottom United held an end-of-season awards with a difference.

The Rams' leading scorer was named players’ player of the year and supporters’ player of the year while his strike at Dunston was voted goal of the season.

With the FA declaring the season null and void the club opted to go ahead with its usually awards deciding that, with 75 per cent of the season played, it would have been wrong to ignore the efforts of the players.

However, it took some innovative thinking as the Rams were determined the awards would go ahead.

Normally enjoyed by players, management and supporters held in the adjacent cricket club, the coronavirus put paid to any chance of this happening this year.

So it was decided to cast the votes and declare the winners in a rather unusual way – by a live link over various social networks on Saturday evening.

Former Bury fans' favourite, Nicky Adams, was drafted in to oversee proceedings.

The first winner announced on the evening was that of clubman of the year, and the recipient was the ever hard-working and talented midfield player Eddie Cooper.

Chairman Harry Williams cast his vote for his player of the year and that went to goalkeeper Tom Stewart.

Evangelinos then picked up his trio of awards although Richie Baker claimed his 30-yard rocket at the HWRS against Marske United back in November should have pipped him for the goal of the season award!

The final award was the manager’s player of the year and that went to someone who came close in the other categories, captain and another former Shaker, in Tom Kennedy.

Rammy were in second place – 10 points behind leaders Workington AFC but with three games in hand, when the season was halted then subsequently cancelled which denied Chris Willcock’s side a genuine chance of winning promotion.

The club is hoping that most of the squad will re-sign for the 2020-21 season, whenever that may kick off.