Van Persie nets goal of the year
Cristian Montano lost out to Robin van Persie for the goal of the year at last night's North West Football Awards.Latics' winger (pictured) was delighted to be included in a shortlist of six alongside the likes of van Persie, Sergio Aguero, Daniel Sturridge and Leighton Baines.
He said: "It was an honour to be shortlisted and a great experience to attend the dinner.
"I couldn't believe it when the manager told me I had been shortlisted, especially alongside a lot of big name Premier League strikers.
"I didn't expect to win it though, if my goal against Stevenage had been scored by Lionel Messi, I am sure I would have done."
The winning goal, by a "landslide" margin in the vote, was the spectacular strike by van Persie in Manchester United's win against Aston Villa.
Latics missed out on another award.
Jose Baxter made the shortlist of three for the League One player of the year for his exploits for Latics before his move to Sheffield United.
However, Baxter was beaten to top spot by Preston North End's John Welsh.