Norwich City’s Marcelino Nunez won the Sky Bet Championship Goal of the Month award for February.
Suspension time from a looping defensive header allowed Nunez to move towards the ball he was dropping, but made it even more difficult to time his volley, which drew a perfect arc into the far corner.
Nunez said: “I saw it coming from the sky and I hit it and had faith it would go in. It was a special feeling to get my first league goal at Carrow Road [against Birmingham on February 21].
“I am grateful to the head coach, my teammates and our staff for all their support since I joined this club.
“We will continue to work hard for the season and we will try everything possible to achieve our goals.”
Sky Bet EFL Goal of the Month Head Judge and Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman said: “Volleys are almost always spectacular, but some are more spectacular than others, and this one sits right at the top of the tree! !
“Nunez needed to move quickly and decisively to get into the correct position to hit, and having done so, his technique for perfectly tackling the dropped ball was sensational.”
Nunez beat out competition from Middlesbrough’s Chuba Akpom, Cardiff City’s Perry Ng and QPR’s Ilias Chair.
Sky Bet League One Winner: Nathan Broadhead
Ipswich Town striker Nathan Broadhead is the Sky Bet League First Goal of the Month winner for February.
It wasn’t just the accuracy of Broadhead’s 25-yard free kick that took your breath away as it flew into the top corner of the net on Wednesday, but the amazing timing of his shot.
Broadhead said: “When I was younger I hit a few like that, but that was the first time in senior football that I’d scored a free kick and probably the second time I’d taken it.
“When we scored that goal, you could tell we just changed the game, so at that point it was important for me to get back on track.
“Overall, I am absolutely delighted with the award and look forward to getting more.”
Sky Bet EFL Goal of the Month Lead Judge and Sky Sports expert Don Goodman said: “The power, tilt and accuracy of this superb free kick meant that even one of the best goalkeepers in the division couldn’t put a hand on it.
“It was a goal that sent Ipswich into half-time with some confidence and inspired a comeback to win a point against promotion rivals – who knows how important that point could be in May.”
Broadhead beat competition from Peterborough United’s Hector Kyprianou, Cheltenham Town’s Elliot Bonds and Lincoln City’s Ben House.
Sky Bet League Two Winner: Jacob Wakeling
Swindon Town striker Jacob Wakeling is the winner of the Sky Bet League Two Goal of the Month for February.
Wakeling even had some Salford fans applauding his audacity and technique as he judged the flight of a cross past him, spun and sent the ball home with the outside of his boot.
Wakeling said: “I’m delighted to receive this award. It was a special goal and, more importantly, one that earned us a great point in a really good Salford side.”
“Of course it’s always good to score, but when you score one that’s a bit out of the ordinary and then it’s recognized by the fans, it’s really special, and I hope I can contribute a few more before the season to help Swindon out.” he lifts the table.”
Sky Bet EFL Goal of the Month chief judge and Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman said: “Having judged this award for a few seasons, it’s very rare to see anything out of the ordinary. However, this impromptu finale to Jacob Wakeling was truly a One of a Kind!
“Hooking the cross towards goal from far behind his body was impressive, but getting enough pace and directing it from the post meant he deservedly took the February crown.”
Wakeling beat competition from Crawley Town’s Jack Powell, Hartlepool United’s Dan Kemp and Bradford City’s Andy Cook.
