CHARLIE Flaherty was a double winner at Eccleshill United's awards night and the midfielder feels he is playing the best football of his career.

The versatile player turned 28 last week and is enjoying the extra responsibility and added expectation that comes with his experience.

He also enjoyed a season free of niggling or long-term injuries, which he felt was a big positive.

Flaherty, who picked up the players' player and fans' player of the year awards, said: "Personally, I feel that every footballer would want these two because of what they mean.

"For my team-mates and the clubs supporters to vote for me is such a reward. I wasn't shocked that I was in the running for both, because I put a proper shift in every game I play, but it's nice to know that the others feel the same.

"But at the same time, they are awards that reflect team ethics. The credit can't all go to me because I've got ten good lads around me in any given game.

"We've not got a big squad but it's a good one, so it doesn't matter who starts. They're all great lads and we bounce off each other."

The early part of the utility man's playing days were littered with injuries and one short career break following the birth of his first child. With both of his young sons growing up now, he is fully focused on another term like the one just finished.

The Eagles midfielder missed a big chunk of the previous season with a nasty thigh muscle injury following a dead leg. His time at Albion Sports, before he returned to Eccleshill, was punctured by a troublesome back injury after a bad tumble in a game.

Flaherty said: "I feel in great condition now and that I'm at my peak. I'm enjoying my game and I'm sure that being injury free has been a part of that.

"In the last few seasons I've missed loads of games but this time I've had consistency because the fitness has been good. I'd like to think that the two awards show that."

Meanwhile, Luke Harrop's 21 goals comfortably landed him the top scorer's award, with Marcus Edwards eight behind, while Flaherty contributed four over the season.

Full back Matty Stor even chipped in with two goals but walked away with the clubman of the year award for his overall contribution throughout a long campaign that saw the Eagles improve the longer it went, ending with just one defeat in their last ten games.