LEADER Chris Brass extended his advantage at the top of the Evening Press player of the year rankings following his man of the match display at Bristol Rovers.

The City skipper is now nine points clear of nearest challenger, the ever-consistent Chris Smith, with just eight games remaining.

With two points against Bournemouth and one against the Pirates, Richard Cooper made a significant leap-up the table.

The man of the match award against the Cherries went to Lee Nogan with the remaining point on offer last Saturday going to Lee Bullock.

Darren Edmondson's decisive wonder strike against the Pirates was enough to earn the City wing-back two points and a shift up the rankings.

Brass 38 points, Smith 29, Parkin 24, Duffield 22, Fettis 22, Nogan 21, Edmondson 14, Cook 13, Cowan 11, Bullock 7, Fox 7, Cooper, 6, Potter 6, Reddy 6, Beresford 5, Brackstone 5, Jones 4, Ingham 3, Wise 3, Hobson 2, Shandran 2.

Updated: 10:32 Saturday, March 22, 2003