Despite being on the losing side in the FA Trophy final, Canvey Island hotshot Lee Boylan has plenty of reason to celebrate.

Double delight - Lee Boylan in action against Southend in the FA Cup this season Picture: NICK ANSELL

Boylan, who notched 57 goals last season as Gulls won the Ryman Premier title, was presented with a second son, Cai, five days before the big Trophy date at Villa Park.

Now he's been voted Ryman Player of the Year in the inaugural Non-League Paper national game awards, sponsored by Carlsberg, receiving his prize on his third wedding anniversary.

And the one-time West Ham striker, along with Park Lane team-mates John Kennedy and Gavin Cowan, has been named in the England National Game XI squad for their two-match tour of the United States. The party fly out next weekend.

Boylan is now intent on pipping old pal Daryl Clare's 30-goal tally to win the Conference National's golden boot prize next term when the Islanders move up to the top flight.

Clare, who will now be parading his talents for his Chester City side in the Football League next term, notched 30 this year.

Boylan picked up the top scorer in the Ryman Premier for a third year running and insisted: "I've got my sights set on 40 goals next term.

"I've known Daryl since we were both involved in the Republic of Ireland set-up. He's a very good player and has deserved what he got -- but I'll be looking to improve on what he's done next year."

Published Tuesday June 1, 2004

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