ALAN Judge says scooping the Sky Bet League Two Goal of the Month award for February is a 'nice accolade' to have.

The Colchester United playmaker claimed the prize for his wonder strike in his side's 1-1 draw with Rochdale, at the JobServe Community Stadium.

The ball was bouncing harmlessly away from goal when Judge let fly with a looping, dipping shot of wicked pace and ferocity just under the bar.

The 33-year-old's superb goal received 47 per cent of the public vote.

Judge said: "I haven't won anything for a little while, so it's nice to get something again. It's a nice accolade to have.

"I had a little check over my shoulder before the ball came to me.

"It was a really windy day and we had the wind with us so I just thought I'd have a go, aim straight at the 'keeper and see where it went.

"I caught it sweet, it moved a bit and it caused a problem and it went in.”

Gazette:

Judge beat off competition from Mansfield’s Rhys Oates, who was nominated for his strike against Colchester and Barrow’s John Rooney to claim the award.

Lead Sky Bet EFL Goal of the Month judge and Sky Sports Pundit Don Goodman said: “Alan Judge’s ability from distance is well known to most Brentford and Ipswich fans, but this goal has to be close to the top of his personal list of screamers.

“This is all about having the awareness of where the goal is and the confidence to take the strike on…it was simply sensational and no surprise that he of all people could pull it off.”

The winners of the Sky Bet EFL Goals of the Month were chosen after a fan poll on Twitter.

The shortlist for the poll is decided by a judging panel.

The judging panel comprises Sky Sports’ EFL expert Don Goodman, Sky Bet Sponsorship Executive Matt Goodwin and EFL Media & PR Officer Billie Marshall.