Portsmouth striker Ashley Harris has seen off the challenge of seven fellow Apprentice players to win the September 2011 Goal of the Month competition.
His spectacular strike against MK Dons on 17 September took over 50 per cent of the public poll in a month when voters were spoilt for choice.
The nearest challengers to Harris were York City’s, Tom Platt and Reading’s, Dominic Samuel.
“I am really pleased to win this award in the face of some tough competition,” Harris told LFE.
“The way the voting has gone doesn’t really paint the real picture to be honest because there are some outstanding goals in there and I am just thankful to those who have supported me and voted for me.”
“I’d like to also thank my team-mates because football is a team game and without them I wouldn’t have the opportunity to win individual awards.”
Academy Manager Andy Awford was pleased to see the youngster take top spot in what was a productive month for the teen forward.
“Ashley’s goal showed fantastic ability and agility,” said Awford.
“Fair play to him for trying such a difficult skill, he got it right and it fully deserved to win the award.”
The top three Apprentices voted for by the public (and number of votes) were:
1. Ashley Harris – Portsmouth (1441)
2. Tom Platt – York City (467)
3. Dominic Samuel – Reading (422)
Harris joins Bristol City’s Elan Gordon in qualifying for the 2011-12 goal of the season competition.
