THE race for the Evening Press player of the year award is hotting up.

Leader Michael Proctor has tightened his grip on the lead by picking up two points in each of city's last outings, against Rushden and Diamonds and Rochdale.

However, last year's winner, Alan Fettis, has now moved ominously into second-place courtesy of his man of the match display at Nene Park.

Mike Basham continues his steady rise up the rankings after earning the three points against Dale.

Richard Cooper earned the remaining point at Rushden with Chris Brass also earning a point for his display on Tuesday.

Latest standings: Proctor 36pts, Fettis 29, Nogan 28, Bullock 24, Edmondson 16, Brass 14, Fielding 12, Basham 11, Smith 7, Hocking 7, Cooper 6, Hobson 4, Howarth 3, Potter 4, Fox 1, Richardson 1

Updated: 10:52 Saturday, January 26, 2002