DARREN Dunning has opened up a sizeable lead at the top of the Evening Press player of the year rankings.

A man of the match display against Boston last Saturday earned the young midfielder three points and means he now has a six-point advantage over his nearest challenger, Lee Bullock.

None of the chasing pack picked up points this week although Jon Parkin, with two points earned against the Pilgrims, and Lee Nogan, man of the match against Oxford United, at least narrowed the gap between the early front-runners and those lagging towards the bottom.

Dave Merris was awarded two points for his performance against Oxford while Chris Smith and Chris Brass both picked up a point apiece against Boston and Oxford respectively.

Rankings: Dunning 20, Bullock 14, Ovendale 12, Ward 10, Wood 10, Hope 7, Nogan 6, Parkin 5 Wise 3, Merris 3, Brass 3, Smith 3, Fox 1, George 1, Wilford 1

Updated: 10:54 Saturday, October 25, 2003