Dons striker Sam Baldock just missed out on the season's first npower League 1 Player of the Month honour, which was today awarded to Sheffield Wednesday's Giles Coke.

Hotshot Sam was among four players nominated for the award, alongside Coke, Peterborough striker Aaron Mclean and Oldham midfielder Dean Furman.

The 21-year-old Dons front-man has been in excellent form in the season's early weeks - banging in four goals in all competitions including three in the league and terrorising opposition defences with his pace and movement.

But it was Owls midfielder Coke who scooped the gong, scoring twice in Wednesday's charge to League 1 top spot by the end of the month and putting in a string of outstanding performances.

Peter Beagrie, member of the npower Football League Player of the Month panel, said: "Giles Coke has lovely balance and a great turn of pace. He is certainly putting in the performances to justify Alan Irvine bringing him into the club. He is also a fantastic ball carrier which allows him to take pressure off the rest of the side."

Mark Clemmit, fellow panel member and pundit for the BBC Football League Show, added: "Giles Coke has a real opportunity to establish himself at a big club this season."

Elsewhere in the npower Football League, Queens Park Rangers' Moroccan magician Adel Taarabt picked up the award in the Championship, while Rotherham hitman Adam Le Fondre was crowned League 2 winner.

The Manager of the Month awards were picked up by QPR boss Neil Warnock, Wednesday chief Alan Irvine and Torquay United manager Paul Buckle.