Leadbitter gets goal of the month nomination
Grant Leadbitter has been nominated for an EFL award – after his stunning goal in the draw at Doncaster Rovers.
The Sunderland star has made the shortlist for the EFL’s League One Goal of the Month award for November after his long-range effort at the Keepmoat Stadium.
It was the experienced midfielder’s third goal of the campaign, following crucial penalties against Peterborough United and Ipswich Town.
The fine strike looked to have secured Sunderland a valuable three points, only for Rovers to net a late leveller.
But the big talking point remained the fine strike that had put the Black Cats in command in South Yorkshire.
And so it comes as little surprise that Leadbitter has been shortlistedalongsidePeterborough United’s Dan Butler and Conor Grant for the coveted prize – and Sunderland fans can help the 34-year-old take home the trophy.
The award will be decided by a public vote on the Sky Bet League One official Twitter page.
Voting is open until Monday, December 14 – with the winners to be announced on Friday, December 18.
Leadbitter was shortlisted by a panel comprising Sky Sports’ EFL expert Don Goodman, Sky Bet Sponsorship Executive Matt Goodwin and EFL Senior Media Manager Rob Meaden.
And when giving their reasons for shortlisting the Sunderland ace’s strike, the panel said: “Most of Leadbitter’s 61 career goals have come from the penalty spot.
"Has he ever struck a shot as sweetly as this, a stunning piledriver that seemed to speed up on its way to the net?”