Zac Ashworth’s first goal in the EFL has been named the Sky Bet League One goal of the month for January.
Ashworth opened the scoring for Wanderers in their 4-1 win at Carlisle when he met Josh Sheehan’s perfectly floated past with a first-time volley he steered past Cumbrians’ keeper Harry Lewis.
The wing-back’s effort capped a flowing move from the Whites to earn the award decided by supporter votes and the choices of a judging panel made up of Sky Sports’ EFL experts Don Goodman and David Prutton.
Former West Bromwich Albion, Wolves and Sunderland striker Goodman said: “Zac Ashworth’s brilliant finish against Carlisle was the standout in League One.
“In that situation, many players would opt for power and snatch at what could only be described as a half-chance but Ashworth, whilst in mid-air, trusted his ability and brilliantly lobbed the ball on the volley over Harry Lewis in the Carlisle net.”
Ashworth, who beat Wigan’s Jonny Smith, Chris Martin of Bristol Rovers and James Collins of Derby County to the prize, said: “I’m delighted my goal has been chosen as the best of the month. I’d like to thank all the fans who voted for me to help me win the award.
"It was a brilliant ball from Josh which deserved a goal at the end of it and not a bad way for me to score my first goal in the EFL.
“More importantly, it set us up for a big away win and hopefully there are more of both to come this season.”
Ashworth’s superb strike at Brunton Park added to his first goal in senior football on his Wanderers’ debut in the Carabao Cup in August.
And the 21-year-old West Brom loanee didn’t have to wait long to double his league tally with another a week later against Barnsley when he scored with a superb far-post header to earn Ian Evatt’s men another valuable point.