To mark our partnership with Smart Energy GB, we’ve shortlisted the five best saves of the season from the EFL – with the help of the fans.
Over the course of the season, an average of 9,200 shots are saved across the EFL. That is a lot of saves! And whilst we love celebrating them, as we do below, we also know you’ll want to make some savings of your own. So, we’re working in partnership with to help you, our club supporters and fans, to see how a smart meter can help you with your household budgeting.
And help you save like our pro’s.
CHRIS MAXWELL – Sunderland AFC v BLACKPOOL
This was a huge game in the Sky Bet League One promotion race.
In the final weeks of the season, both teams were looking to secure a place in the Play-Offs.
Sullay Kaikai's stunning volley in the 56th minute with the Tangerines second strike on target in the game – talk about efficiency!
But after an already stellar performance and with the visitors hanging on for dear life, Blackpool captain Maxwell some how produced an incredible one handed save from pont blank range to deny Sunderland striker Charlie Wyke in the dying embers of the game.
JOSEF BURSIK – Charlton Athletic v PETERBOROUGH UNITED
20-years-old and stellar performances for three Sky Bet League One cluibs all in the same season, it’s fair to say Stoke City goalkeeper Josef Bursik has got a bright future ahead of him.
But his most crucial save of the season came in a huge match at the Valley for Peterborough United.
A win for Posh would all but guarantee their promotion, with top-goalscorer Jonson Clarke-Harris giving them an early lead.
But the Addicks, a team challenging to go up themselves, won a penalty shortly after, but a terrific left-handed save denied Jayden Stockley from the spot – with Darren Ferguson’s men seeing the game to secure all three points in South London.
SIMON SLUGA – LUTON TOWN v Barnsley
A Croation international and one of the Sky Bet Championship’s best shot stoppers. Simon Sluga is a firm fans favourite at Kenilworth Road.
And it’s clear to see why after this stunning performance.
Barnsley led 2-0 and USA striker Daryl Dike had the chance to step up from the spot.
But it wasn’t just the penalty save that was impressive. Sluga managed to get up off the floor and stop the rebound from Michael Helik.
To top it off, In the same sequence of play the Hatters managed to pull a goal back.
DILLON PHILLIPS – CARDIFF CITY v Preston North End
Usually saving a penalty is a euphoric moment for any goalkeeper, but that feeling was initially short-lived form Dillon Phillips when he denied Preston’s Paul Gallagher.
That was because Cardiff defender Aden Flint gave away another penalty a matter of seconds later.
This time Ched Evans stepped up to the spot and opted to place the ball towards the opposite corner.
It didn’t fool Phillips though, who saved again to his left to keep a clean sheet for the Bluebirds
NIK TZANEV - AFC WIMBLEDON v Northampton Town
This was the definition of a relegation six pointer.
Both sides needed at win at Plough Lane. And it looked like AFC Wimbledon were going to take that much needed win after they led through Joe Pigot.
But a goal mouth scramble saw the Cobblers given one last chance in the game.
But Tzanev, a New Zealand international goalkeeper, was more than up to the task, saving to his right in what was the very last play of the match.
But who gets your vote for the save of the season?
That’s a lot of saves! Now it’s your turn to save like a pro with a smart meter.
A smart meter could help you with your household budgeting. The in-home display offered with your smart meter, shows you in near-real time the amount of energy you use.
This could help you find ways to reduce energy waste around your home and save money. For example, by switching the TV off at the wall.
Find out how a smart meter could help you save money here.
Want to be as accurate as your favourite goalie?
And with a smart meter you can wave goodbye to estimated billing. Smart meters send your energy readings directly to your supplier using a secure network. So, you can expect accurate bills, not estimated bills. This means you’ll only pay for the energy you use and can help with your budgeting.
Learn more about smart meters here. To save energy like a pro, follow our top energy saving tips for football fans here.
Please note:
- Eligibility of smart meters may vary
- Consumer action is required to obtain cost savings and budgeting benefits of smart meters