STOCKTON: I’M A NEW BECKHAM!

COLE STOCKTON is not just a great goalscorer – he also scores great goals.

Prior to this season the Morecambe striker had scored only five times in League One during his stint at Tranmere eight years ago. But he notched his

13th league goal of the season on Tuesday against Charlton, making him the fourth-highest league scorer in England.

However, it was his goal against Fleetwood in the previous game that propelled him into the national headlines.

Stockton’s audacious effort from inside his own half, in stoppage time with the game poised at 1-1, was cue for wild celebrations.

But it was by no means a one-off for the 27-year-old. Earlier in the season, against Wimbledon, Stockton (above) pulled off a superb lob from more than 40 yards out.

But his Fleetwood winner has well and truly gone viral with the clip being shared all across the world.

“It was only after the game that I properly realised what I’d done,” he said. “I knew the goalkeeper was off his line and I believe in my ability but I think with it being the last minute, and a derby, it was just a wow moment.

“Earlier in the season I did a long-range one at Wimbledon but I don’t think anything will beat that Fleetwood one!”

It has been compared to David Beckham’s 1996 strike against Wimbledon but Stockton added: “I shouldn’t even be in the same sentence as him!”

Now the Scouser, promoted with the Shrimps after beating Newport in the play-off final last May, is determined to score more in an attempt to ensure League One football next season. “It’s nice to be getting noticed but I’m not one to rest on my laurels,” he said. “It’s up there with my best season but I have to try to keep it going.”