BEN Newson has emerged out of the shadow of twin brother Sam to be named the Ipswich Star’s Player of the Season.

The Newson twins, whose family home is in East Bergholt, had played together throughout their careers at Brantham Athletic and Stanway Rovers until Sam left to join Needham Market following their elevation to Ryman League Division One North two years ago.

Striker Sam’s goalscoring exploits since have continued to make headlines, and even led to him earning a trial at League Two Gillingham, only for the opportunity to be wrecked by a knee injury.

But while Sam was sidelined for several weeks and struggled for goals thereafter, Ben has been in prolific form for Stanway in the season just finished.

He scored 35 goals in all competition – 26 in the Rideons League Premier Division – including three hat-tricks, after bagging 31 altogether in the previous season at Stanway.

That’s a pretty impressive return for a player who plays out wide on the left, whether as a winger or a midfielder.

He rounded the season off with a man-of-the-match display as Stanway lifted the Ridgeons League Cup, setting up the winning goal against Norwich United.

Ben, who will be 24 next month, said he was “very honoured” to win the award, sponsored by Club Colours, which was open to all players who live in the Ipswich Star’s circulation area.

“It is nice to earn some recognition for the season,” said Ben, who said that since Sam had left Stanway his own career has blossomed.

“Having played with Sam for so long it has been good not to be competing with each other. The pressure has been off so far as playing together as twins, and it has enabled me just to focus on my own game.”

Newson, who is now out of contract, has already had offers from a couple of Ryman League clubs, and has told Stanway that he is leaving.

“Over the last three years I feel I have got better and better as a player and have been playing with more confidence and know my own ability. I feel the time is now right to step up to the next level and take on a new challenge and hopefully progress my career.”