South Shields ace Julio Arca wins award

Popular Arca collected his award on Sunday night at the Northern Premier League's 2018 Player of the Year awards do.

The South Shields ace was among nearly 40 players honoured by Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder at the awards night, with the winners chosen by the league's managers and fans.

Arca tweeted: "Thanks to all the fans that voted for me and helped me to win the supporters @evostikleague player of the season."

The 37-year-old has enjoyed another impressive season for South Shields FC, who could win their third successive promotion on Tuesday night with just one point needed.

Saturday’s 4-1 victory over Colwyn Bay at Mariners Park left the Mariners within touching distance of securing their place in next season’s Evo-Stik Premier Division.

And Shields could seal that spot tomorrow night when they take on Glossop North End at Mariners Park.

Ex-Sunderland and Middlesbrough midfielder Arca was also named in the Evo-Stik League North Division Team of the Year, alongside Gav Cogdon.