Murphy's set play goal calims ultimate finish award
Crewe Alexandra captain Luke Murphy has completed an unforgettable season in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy by claiming the competition’s last official prize of the 2012-13 campaign.
The talented midfielder was one of 10 players whose spectacular goals were shortlisted for the ‘Ultimate Finish of the Season’ and he received almost half of the public vote to become the runaway winner.
Murphy had the honour of hoisting aloft the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy on Sunday, April 7 following Crewe’s 2-0 victory in the final over Southend United, and it was the 23-year-old’s early opener at Wembley which earned him this latest award.
A pre-rehearsed corner routine saw Murphy sweep the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box to give his side an early lead and earn 46 per cent of the vote from supporters, who cast their eye over the skillful strikes on a video on the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy website.
Crewe fan Graham Thubron was also celebrating after he was selected at random from the people who voted for Murphy to be the lucky winner of a PlayStation 3 and the latest FIFA game.
“The Johnstone’s Paint Trophy has been a very special competition for everyone at Crewe this season and winning the ‘Ultimate Finish of the Season’ award is the icing on the cake for me personally,” said Murphy, who will receive an engraved trophy for his exploits.
“We worked on the corner routine a lot in the build-up to the final, and for it to come off at Wembley in such a big game was a real bonus.
“It was certainly one of the best and most important goals of my career so far.”
Murphy joins Danny Stevens, Jordan Rhodes and Michael Flynn – of Torquay United, Huddersfield Town and Bradford City respectively – in the list of winners of the Ultimate Finish of the Season award.
Amongst the players Murphy defeated to land the award were Portsmouth’s Brian Howard, Joel Grant of Wycombe Wanderers and Port Vale’s Jennison Myrie-Williams.
Southend United’s Barry Corr was the only player nominated twice, while his team-mate Kevan Hurst, Brentford’s Paul Hayes and Plymouth Argyle duo Alex MacDonald and Andres Gurrieri were also short-listed.
Ben Wilde, Brand & Sponsorship Manager for Johnstone’s Paint, said: “All of the goals nominated for the award were of the highest calibre.
“Luke’s goal was a very classy finish and the fact that it came at Wembley and helped Crewe on their way to a famous victory ensured it was a very worthy ‘Ultimate Finish of the Season’ winner.
“We pass our congratulations on to Luke for enjoying such a successful Johnstone’s Paint Trophy this season.”