KAYLEIGH Hines says the premature end to Oxford United Women’s season takes nothing away from her delight at bagging two end-of-season awards.

The midfielder received the player’s player of the year and fan’s goal of the year prizes in an online ceremony.

Liam Gilbert’s side were third in the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division when play was halted in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The campaign was declared null and void, but Hines insists she will still look back fondly at the 2019/20 season.

“There are so many who could’ve been voted Player’s Player of the Year, but I’m delighted to have won it,” she said.

“Being voted by the players, people who see you day-to-day, people who see the best and the worst of you in training – to get their vote obviously means a lot.

“Even though the season has been ruled null and void, it’s important to mark it with the awards night.

“Obviously it was different to how we usually do it, but over the course of the season everyone has still committed their time and effort, so it was really important to highlight that.”

Hines’s long-range effort against Portsmouth was named the best strike of the campaign, with the first-half opener helping United to a 2-1 victory.

She said: “I remember that it wasn’t too far away from the edge of the box, I was being closed down, and I just concentrated on getting it on target.

“The way that the game was going as well, a goal was due and we deserved it, so it was great to get on the scoresheet and settle us down a bit.”

Elsewhere, influential defender Georgia Clifford received her fans’ player of the year award.

Meanwhile, prolific forward Georgia Timms was presented with her top goalscorer trophy after notching 16 times across the campaign.

It was also a memorable evening for Carly Johns, who claimed the young player of the year award.

The graduate of United’s Regional Talent Club was recognised after an impressive first full season in senior football.

Johns was a record-breaker in October when she became the youngest scorer of a hat-trick in United Women’s history in the 11-1 victory against North Leigh last October.

The rising star was pleased to receive the award and insisted she remains fully focused on continuing her development when football restarts.

She said: “This is my first season in women’s football, so I’m very proud of this achievement.

“We’ve got real quality in the team and it’s a privilege to work with some great teammates.

“For my first step up to women’s football, they have all been really welcoming.”

“Now next season I have got to just carry on working hard, keep learning from the coaches and players, and keep on enjoying my football.”