PAUL West holds a narrow lead as the chase for the Ray Mercer Memorial Trophy enters its final month.

The Evesham United defender's form has been a key factor in their title challenge in the Dr Martens League Western Division.

His average mark of 7.37 in 35 matches gives him a narrow lead over Hereford United's exciting striker Gavin Williams, who is on 7.33, and fellow Evesham defender Andy Smith on 7.32.

Worcester City midfielder Carl Heeley, who won the trophy two seasons ago, is not out of the race either with an average of 7.24, while another Evesham defender, Jay Powell, is fifth on 7.07.

Defender Craig Hinton is top of the Kidderminster Harriers lists on 6.73, while Quentin Townsend leads the way for Bromsgrove Rovers on 6.68.

The player with the highest average mark at the end of the season, based on our exclusive Evening News match ratings, will win the Ray Mercer Memorial Trophy, named in honour of Kidderminster's long-serving secretary who died in 1995.