Gayle Wins Goal Of The Month

By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor

Newcastle United's Dwight Gayle has won the Sky Bet Championship Goal of the Month award for August.

Gayle's brilliant 25-yard free kick in the 4-1 win over Reading on Wednesday, 17th August - one of his four league goals for the Magpies so far this season - secured him the inaugural prize.

He saw off competition from Fulham's Tom Cairney, who was nominated for his goal against Leeds United, and Jacob Murphy of Norwich City, whose strike against Blackburn Rovers was also among the inalists.

And as Gayle was presented with the trophy on Friday morning he said: "I was really pleased with my goal and to get this award. It's been a good start to the season for me.

"There have been some great number nines at Newcastle in the past and this is a big opportunity for me, I'm really enjoying it.

"We didn't get off to the best start but we're doing well now and we're growing in confidence. We need to keep concentrating on winning games.

"The most important thing for me is to help win for the team."

Lead Sky Bet EFL Goal of the Month judge and Sky Sports Pundit Don Goodman added: "Dwight Gayle's second goal for Newcastle was a stunning free-kick that showed the quality this boy possesses.

"He's proved over a number of years that he can score goals at all levels and it was a brave move to join the Toon Army in search of more playing time.

"The skill required to hit the ball with enough power and precision to beat (Ali) Al-Habsi from nearly 30 yards from a dead-ball situation is one that few players possess."

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