Forde strike shortlisted...
THREE spectacular strikes are set to go before the public vote in the quest to find the latest Ultimate Finish winner in this season’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.Bristol City and Walsall – who will compete for the coveted trophy in the Final at Wembley Stadium on March 22nd – are represented in the Area Finals goal of the round competition.
Hot-shot Bristol City striker, Matt Smith, scored all four of his team’s goals as they took a decisive 4-2 victory in the first leg of their tie at Gillingham – and two of those crucial strikes have made it onto the shortlist.
Smith’s third goal was a cheeky backheel while his fourth was a stunning volley.
The Saddlers' Anthony Forde, meanwhile, will be hoping to clinch the prize for his powerful free-kick which saw us take command of our first leg clash at Preston North End.
Fans are now able to have their say on which goal comes out on top. The video can be watched and votes cast by clicking here.
The successful player will receive the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Ultimate Finish trophy and claim a place in the Ultimate Finish of the Season competition. There is also a chance for fans to be a winner with everyone who votes for the successful strike entered into a special prize draw with one lucky winner receiving an iPod Shuffle.
The nominations are:
MATT SMITH
Gillingham v BRISTOL CITY (3rd goal)
MATT SMITH
Gillingham v BRISTOL CITY (4th goal)
ANTHONY FORDE
Preston v WALSALL
Closing dates for votes is Monday February 23.
Ben Wilde, brand and sponsorship manager for Johnstone’s Paint, said: “We are now just weeks away from the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final at Wembley and it’s fitting that the three goals shortlisted for the latest round of the Ultimate Finish competition have come from our two finalists.
“The Area Finals produced great excitement and ten goals over two legs, but these three goals really stood out.
“Each Ultimate Finish competition so far this season has been very hotly contested and I’m sure this will be no different.”
Johnstone’s Paint has been bringing colour to the beautiful game for the last nine years through its sponsorship of one of the biggest domestic knockout tournaments in English football.