Higgins’ Incredible Strike Claims Guildhall Shopping Centre Goal of the Month
Akeel Higgins delivered a beautifully executed chip over the goalkeeper to earn himself a 68% public vote for the Guildhall Shopping Centre’s October Goal of the Month at the Devon Derby. It was the player’s first professional strike, which has quickly embedded the 20-year-old’s Exeter City loan as his early legacy within the hearts of his now rising fans. The award allows Higgins to carry a badge of honour that shows a notable turning point in what seemed like a silently ascending career.
Higgins joined the Exeter City club from West Bromwich for a season-long loan in September, and he has quickly cemented a moment in news headlines as he carefully controlled a through-ball from teammate Ethan Brierley before taking an easy touch and effortlessly lofting the ball over the keeper to contribute to the Plymouth Argyle 2-0 win. Higgins wasn’t in the spotlight much before this, and various bookmakers often priced him as a fringe option. However, bookmakers may notice him more after his award.
Higgins currently sits with odds of 5.7 for an anytime scorer for the upcoming match against Wigan, which places him just lower than Magennis, Wareham, and Coxx. Punters keeping a close eye on real-time odds updates through sports betting not on Gamstop can expect to see live updates as the players’ probabilities change for upcoming matches. These platforms use real-time odds trackers and even offer in-play bets, which will see new opportunities come through during the upcoming matches. Punters can also use player props, match results, and both teams to score when considering Higgins for their next wager.
Higgins’s ability to capture 68% of the public’s vote also indicates that sponsors and supporters have growing confidence in the upcoming star. His goal could even become a catalyst for other upcoming players who are being carefully monitored across different leagues. A winning goal like Higgins’ strike may even prompt West Brom to reconsider the loan and think about it beyond the player development potential.
The next loan placement or contract discussion will change drastically if Higgins can keep up with the appearances and goals during his season with Exeter City. Solid individual performances like his have accelerated first-team reckoning and much higher valuations for other players like Cole Palmer and Eberechi Eze. The award simply suggests that the club and fans could see the player’s potential to deliver more moments like he did when grabbing the Goal of the Month award.
The strike happening during the Devon Derby also plays a significant role. Local derbies have always had lively atmospheres, and debuting with such a goal during these fixtures would make squads battling to become noticeable stand out more in League One. Exeter City needed a morale boost, and the forward momentum certainly helps, especially as the team sits in the mid-table challenge for the 2024-25 EFL League One season. Higgins’ memorable goal has inspired the coaching staff and teammates, showing how composure combined with creativity can unlock great results, especially under pressure.
Higgins can also be compared to other upcoming talent, some of whom grabbed memorable goals of their own to form an important part of their early career identity. For instance, Harvey Barnes recently made breakthroughs for Leicester City while Anthony Elanga broke into headlines for Nottingham Forest earlier this year, using a similar strike to finish a game. Higgins may only be at the start of his journey, but the award certainly places him among players who will be known for their individual highlights and how they contributed to club narratives and public perception.
Meanwhile, the club also benefits on and off the field. The recent spotlight moment only improves the squad’s fan community and profile. The goal has created a collective memory tied to the season, which will increase ticket sales, media coverage, and even social media shares. The Guildhall Shopping Centre award also offers a gateway for the squad to embed itself within the region as it becomes part of the local business community. Exeter City may even get more sponsorship offers, particularly from local businesses.
However, the recognition for Higgins provides more opportunities. He’s now more likely to earn some starting minutes instead of just substitute appearances. The coaches will have a tangible memory to reference when allocating responsibility and building his confidence. The loan could also fast-track a West Brom recall or increase interest among other League One and Championship clubs if Higgins maintains a consistent performance in upcoming matches. There was an exceptional performance element behind the headline moment.
For example, Exeter City’s metrics show the squad scoring an average of one goal per game throughout the season. The recent strike, even if only a single goal so far, has happened at a time when results matter more than ever. Higgins and his manager could also deepen their trust for each other after his first professional goal was recognised so publicly. The attention in the coming weeks will be on whether Higgins can transform one moment into a string of exceptional appearances, assists, and goals.
