Leeds United's Jermaine Beckford has won the Mitre Goal of the Year Award at the 2008 'Football League Awards incorporating FourFourTwo's Top 50 Football League Players'.

Beckford received the award at a gala dinner at the London Hilton on Park Lane on Sunday 2nd March 2008 in front of over 800 attendees from clubs, sponsors and the football industry. The winning goal was voted for at the ceremony using mobile voting technology provided by Perform.

Beckford's award-winning goal came whilst he was playing on loan for Scunthorpe United in the 17th minute of the game against Rotherham United on 17th February 2007. For the goal, Beckford received the ball on the right side of the pitch, and skilfully tricked his way past two defenders before shooting a delightful curling effort that beat the opposing goalkeeper and fired in off the post.

On winning the award, Beckford commented: "I remember having half a yard and there were two defenders in front of me. I took it onto my left and just buried in the top corner. It was one of those you just knew was going in as soon as I hit it."

The other goals that were shortlisted for the award were: Chris Dickson (on loan from Charlton Athletic) whilst playing for Gillingham (vs. Crewe Alexandra), Scott Sinclair (on loan from Chelsea) whilst playing for Plymouth Argyle (vs. Crystal Palace), Rickie Lambert of Bristol Rovers (vs. Luton Town) and Chris Brunt (now at West Bromwich Albion) whilst playing for Sheffield Wednesday (vs. Leeds United).

Commenting on the 2008 Football League Awards, The Football League Chairman, Lord Mawhinney, said: "For the third consecutive year, The Football League Awards has been an enormous success. Once again, it has given us the opportunity to recognise and reward the outstanding contributions made by fans, clubs and players to the continued growth and development of league football."

The number one spot in the FourFourTwo Top 50 Football League Players went to West Bromwich Albion striker, Kevin Phillips, followed by Andy Gray of Charlton and Michael Kightly of Wolverhampton Wanderers. The full list of The Top 50 Football League Players can be found either in the April issue of FourFourTwo which is on sale now, or on the FourFourTwo website www.fourfourtwo.com.

The Football League Awards show will be aired on Sky Sports 1 on Thursday 6th March at 8pm.

To find out more about The Football League Awards please visit www.footballleagueawards.com.

Mitre sponsored the Goal of the Year Award at the 2008 Football League Awards. Mitre continue to lead the way in professional football development. The introduction of individual Club Badged Balls is the latest in a long line of unique firsts. Mitre have been the proud ball supplier to The Football League for over 30 years.