WE HEAR it every season. “If that goal was in the Premier League, they’d show it on Match of the Day, on repeat,” a manager or player will say.
We reckon there are plenty of goals scored in Non-League football that wouldn’t look out of place in any stadium, at any level. And that’s why every year we pick the best of a very good bunch.
Once again The NLP‘s National Game Awards, in association with SCL, will honour THE outstanding strike.
Of course, we all like to see the net bulge and that’s why long-serving NGA sponsors Huck Nets are back to sponsor the Goal of the Season, with the winner treated to a slap-up lunch at Stamford Bridge on May 17.
Screamer
Here’s where you come in. We need your nominations and videos of the best goals since August. It can be any level of the Non-League Pyramid, but we need to see the video evidence. We’ll whittle them down to a final selection and put it to a reader’s vote. It’s that simple.
Now, goals can be subjective. Some football fans love a 35-yard screamer off the underside of the bar. Others prefer an acrobatic volley while, for many, you can’t beat a mazy run. That’s why every year this is one of the toughest prizes to win.
Bath City‘s Tyler Harvey picked up the award last season. On loan from Plymouth Argyle, the youngster scored an incredible winner in a crucial Easter clash with their National League South rivals Weston-super-Mare.
Just moments after Weston had taken the lead in the 90th-minute, Harvey levelled up from the penalty spot. Not much spectacular about that. But what happened next certainly was.
Bath won the ball back straight from the kick-off and got it to Harvey four yards inside his own half. Spotting the keeper off his line, he launched the ball over the stopper’s head for a dramatic three points.
Howitzer
It will certainly take some beating, but here are a few suggestions to get you thinking. Remember, this isn’t a definitive list, we want to hear your suggestions through the details on this page.
But how about Dave Tarpey’s wondergoal against Dartford before Christmas, that stoked memories of Dennis Bergkamp for Arsenal? Some even labelled it the best Non-League goal ever.
Danny Lloyd has been on fire for Stockport County this season. His strike against Brackley in the FA Trophy will live long in the memory.
Then there’s Joey Jones’ 40-yard bullet for Woking at Forest Green Rovers or, maybe, Chester attacker Elliott Durrell’s half-way line howitzer at Boreham Wood way back in August. Does that possibly get your vote?
Kettering Town’s Liam Canavan entered a contender of his own in February. What started with some typical head tennis in midfield, finished with a swish of the midfielder’s right foot to send the ball arcing into the top corner from miles out.
No doubt there are plenty more worthy winners out there – so get in touch.
NGA 2016-17 List of Awards
Mark Harrod Player of the Year
Sportsbeat Young Player of the Year
FieldTurf Manager of the Year
Reusch Goalkeeper of the Year
SK Kits Golden Boot
Brandon Hire Step 3 & 4 Player of the Year
Red Insure Team of the Year
Acerbis Cup Run of the Year
Huck Nets Goal of the Season
William Hill Fan of the Year
The Football Foundation Community Club of the Year
The PFA Fair Play Award
SCL Unsung Hero
The FA England C Player of the Year
Marathonbet Non-League Challenge Goal Celebration of the Year
The Non-League Paper Lifetime Achievement
How to vote
Please email [email protected] to cast your vote or use #NGAvotes on Twitter or via post to The Non-League Paper, Tuition House, St George’s Road, Wimbledon SW19 4EU
SCL are a government approved post-16 education provider in the sports sector who run Academy programmes with over 60 football, rugby and cricket, professional and grass roots sports clubs, foundations and community trusts. Find out more at www.wearescl.co.uk/education
