LIAM Lawrence's volley against Fulham early this year may be in with a shout of winning Match of the Day's goal-of-the-season award - but he insists he netted a more important one last term.

The Sunderland midfielder struck a stunning left-foot volley at Craven Cottage to give the visitors a 1-0 lead against Chris Coleman's side. Although the Black Cats eventually lost 2-1, Lawrence could take comfort in the fact that his strike won January's goal-of-the-month award.

"It's great I've made the list for the goal of the season," said the 24-year-old. "I was watching the England game on Tuesday with my dad and I nearly fell off my seat when it came on.

"Which one would I pick? Mine! Seriously, they are all great goals and it's difficult to pick one."

Lawrence admitted the goal had a somewhat bitter-sweet taste to it.

He revealed: "I just saw it drop and decided to have a go. I knew as soon as I struck it that it had a chance and it was a great feeling when it flew in the top corner. The shine was taken off it when we lost the game."

The former Mansfield schemer netted three goals last season, including another impressive strike against Chelsea, but the most important came in the local derby.

"Fulham was probably the best strike but Newcastle meant more," he added. "I would probably pick out the Newcastle goal from them all."

* Released Hartlepool defender Darren Craddock has joined Conference side York City.