The 22-year-old midfielder has impressed this year with a number of stunning performances in the middle of the park and just pipped goalkeeper Arron Benstead, who has since left, and captain Marcus Hunt to the award.

Abbott won seven man of the match awards during the season, awarded by reporters Derek Bish and Steve Barton, as well as Rovers' media officer Steve Esdale.

Sports writer Derek Bish said: "Marc has played some fantastic football this season and thoroughly deserves this recognition.

"His goal against King's Lynn Reserves has to have been one of the best goals I've ever seen at Hamlet Croft while his desire to keep the ball on the floor and play football in the right way has also helped contribute to this award."

Benstead finished level with seven awards but Abbott was awarded the commemorative Echo page and a bottle of champagne after a decision made by our writers.

Third-placed Hunt, who also took on the role of player/manager for the last six weeks of the season, said: "Marc is a good lad both on and off the pitch. He's a local boy who always gives 110 per cent and always gets stuck in.

"He's a different sort of quality player to what we've had locally.

"He brings something a little bit different to the team with his passing and he has scored some excellent goals.

"Rovers would do well to keep hold of him next year."

Hunt was in third with six man of the match awards, followed by Adam Ben-Saud (four), Gareth Thomas (four), Joe Harvey (three) and Richard Heller (three).