Newington midfielder Richard Gowdy has been named Premier Intermediate League Player of the Year at the NI Football Awards.

Gowdy helped steer Newington to the PIL title and to a place in the Lough 41 Championship.

The midfielder said: “I can’t believe I’ve won this award. It’s an honour, and I’d like to thank the Writers and NIFL for voting for me. To be honest, any one of my teammates could have won this.

“As a team we’ve been first clash this season.”

Richard was unable to attend the NI Football Awards, as he was on his stag do. Newington coach Paul Gibson collected the prize on his behalf.

Gibson said: “Richard is a top class footballer who thoroughly deserves this award.”

This year’s NI Football Awards were voted for by the members of the Northern Ireland Football Writers’ Association and the PIL managers.