Dion Charles’ stunning match-winner at Shrewsbury Town has been named the Sky Bet League One Goal of the Month for January.
Charles’ spectacular strike – volleyed into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area – topped a supporters’ poll from the shortlist of contenders to win the Wanderers’ striker the prize.
The goal earned Wanderers a first away success in eight attempts in League One to help Ian Evatt’s men build a run of six wins in seven games which lifted them to the edge of the play-off race.
And it was also extra special for New Year signing Charles at the start of his Wanderers’ career.
“I’m delighted to win this award and thanks to all the fans who voted for me,” he said.
“It was an important goal for the team and I don’t think I’ll ever top a goal like that for personal meaning.
“It’s probably going to be the best goal of my career. I don’t think it’s going to be topped by many, I don’t think.
“It was my first goal for the club, my daughter was born a couple of days before it and it’s won goal of the month, so it’s a great achievement.”
Lead Sky Bet EFL Goal of the Month judge and Sky Sports Pundit, Don Goodman, said: “A goal is never a bad way to introduce yourself to a new set of fans and Dion Charles’ last-minute control and volley won the game for Bolton in the most dramatic of circumstances.
“To be in the away end when it hit the net would have given the away fans a massive high that I’m sure they will have enjoyed!”
Charles dedicated the strike to his daughter Hattie after becoming a father for the second time less than 48 hours before opening his Wanderers’ account in style with his last-gasp winner at Shrewsbury.
The Northern Ireland international hasn’t looked back since, with five goals in his last seven appearances for the Whites.
The 26-year-old has quickly become a fans’ favourite since his arrival from Accrington Stanley.
And he is hungry to add to his tally, with AFC Wimbledon next in his sights on Saturday as Wanderers look to bounce back from a first defeat in eight games at Burton Albion in mid-week.
“My job was to come here and score goals and I’m showing people what I can do. I couldn’t have wished for a better start to my Bolton career,” Charles added.
“I work as hard as I can every single game I put on the Bolton shirt and it’s satisfying to be getting the goals as well.
“The fans have been incredible with me since I came here and long may it continue.
“There are still a lot of games to play. We knew ourselves that to go unbeaten until the end of the season was going to be a big ask.
“We can’t dwell on the loss too much. We know what we need to do within the dressing room.
“We’ll go about our business quietly and take it game by game.”
Watch Dion's chat on winning the award and looking forward to Saturday by clicking HERE