DESPITE fears it would be a somewhat sombre affair, given the disappointment of Town's Conference South play-off defeat to Lewes three days previously, the club's annual end-of-season function found attending officials, players and fans in good spirits.

Last Saturday's disco and presentations at the Camrose brought to a close a difficult 2003-2004 campaign - but the great news about Town's promotion to the new set-up is a massive bonus to all who love the club.

A good day started in style when the reserves retained the Suburban League Challenge Shield with a 4-1 win at Met Police.

And, back at the Camrose social club that evening, there was a growing sense of optimism after the first whispers about Hendon's withdrawal began circulating.

But at that point it was all hearsay, so the main focus of the night was to have a good time, raise some money and acknowledge the players who made significant contributions on the pitch at various levels within the club.

Basingstoke Town Limited vice chairman Steve Murfitt started proceedings with the promise auction.

It didn't have as many items as last year's inaugural event, but the 23 lots that were sold managed to raise a superb £2,139 for the club's coffers.

Included as prizes were two FA Cup final tickets and travel costs, bought by midfielder Toby Sumner for £350, a signed Justin Rose photo, a Fabrizio Ravanelli shirt, and other sporting memorabilia.

The largest amount spent on the night was by fan Margaret Dimbleby, who pledged £500 to become the first home match sponsors of the new season - now the first in the club's history in the Conference South.

Murfitt said: "We're really pleased with the amount we raised and the success of the evening. People like Margaret and the marvellous support they show is very much appreciated."

He added on Monday: "The news that we're promoted to the new league means we're all delighted at achieving our season's goal. Now we have to plan ahead this summer."

The awards kicked off with those for the youth team. Brendan Vickery, who has also played for the reserves' team this season, picked up Dominic Cunliffe's vote as manager's player of the season.

Vickery's fellow team-mates voted him player's player.

That double was matched in the reserves' awards by Simon Herbert, who earlier that day lifted the Challenge Shield in his role as captain.

Reserves' manager Peter Gray praised Herbert for his season, and also the squad as a whole for their efforts and commitment.

Outgoing supporters' club secretary Dick Locker then presented first team defender Jason Bristow with the trophy for player of the year.

Then it was time for manager Ernie Howe to present the senior team accolades.

The first category was player's player of the season, which went to Nathan Stamp.

Howe said: "Nathan fully deserves this. As we know, it's been a very difficult season for him personally, and his brother Neville, but he has continued to perform and I'm very pleased to be giving this award to him."

Howe's manager's award went to two players jointly - Steve Hemmings and Ian Dickens.

Explaining his choice, Howe said: "They haven't played as much as they would have liked to, but have put up with a lot of stuff and continued to make the necessary commitment."

Stamp, in his first full season at Town after his release by Queen's Park Rangers last year, then picked up another manager's award as the young player of the season.

Howe said: "People forget his age and that he's only a very young player."

The night also marked striker Craig McAllister's last function as a Town player.

His two-year contract is up this summer, and a host of Conference clubs are in the hunt for his signature.

Murfitt said: "We are resigned to losing Macca, and everybody at the club wishes him well.

"He has done a good job for us, but it is his ambition to play at the highest level he can."

Murfitt also praised the role of Town supporters during last season.

He said: "We are grateful to the supporters - there were more downs than ups towards the end - and they were excellent. They never got on the players' backs and we hope to give them more to shout about next season."