Cooper wins February goal of the month award

The 16-year-old polled almost 50 per cent of the vote for her stunning strike in AFC Bournemouth’s 4-0 win over Poole Town in the women’s National League.

Cooper spun her marker with a sharp turn before beating another defender and rifling an unstoppable effort into the roof of the net from the edge of the box.

The Parkstone Grammar School pupil finished ahead of first-team duo Siriki Dembele and Dominic Solanke and under-18s' striker Daniel Adu-Adjei.

Cooper was presented with her award by Rachael Martin and Jordan Cruse from sponsors Strategic Solutions. 

Striker Cooper is in her first season with the women's team having progressed through the age groups since joining the club six years ago.

She told afcb.co.uk: "It was totally unexpected. I was going into this season with the mindset of just trying to get some game-time here and there and learning from the older players.

"To then score a pretty decent goal and win, it was just utter shock. It was incredible, I absolutely loved it!”

𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 is here ⚽️💥

Four great strikes, but who do you think should win our @StrategicSols Goal of the Month award for February? 🏆

Get voting below 👀

— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) March 7, 2022

Cooper became the second member of the women’s team to win the award this season with Becki Bath topping the poll in August.

Commenting on the award, AFC Bournemouth head coach Scott Parker said: "It says a lot for how far the women’s game has come.

"As a football club, we’re in this together. From Dominic Solanke, our top goalscorer, to the young lads, the girls and the women’s team. It’s very pleasing to see."

AFC Bournemouth would like to extend its thanks to Strategic Solutions for their continued sponsorship of the award. 

Strategic Solutions goal of the month winners: Becki Bath (August), Jordan Zemura (September), Jordan Zemura (October), Dominic Solanke (November), Dominic Solanke (December), Lewis Brown (January), Lucy Cooper (February).