Jim Atkinson’s dramatic opening goal in Workington’s 6-0 win over Morpeth on Saturday has been acknowledged ad the fastest ever at Borough Park.
Although no official records exist the goalkeeper’s sensational strike after 10 seconds is unlikely to have been bettered.
Club statistician Steve Durham has trawled through his own substantial records and has found only four inside a minute, and they were in the last 32 years.
Dave Hewson, who later went on to become manager at the club, scored after 21 seconds in a friendly against Carlisle United on August 4, 2008.
Five years later on March 16, 2013 Gareth Arnison scored after 25 seconds in a League game with Histon.
Durham said: “I remember that one most of all because it’s the only time I have won the Golden Goal prize.”
Jonny Wright scored after 37 seconds in a League game with Stalybridge Celtic on February 9, 2010 and back on August 26,1989 Kevin Rowntree scored after 50 seconds in a League game with Farsley Celtic.
Just by comparison Shane Long established a new Premier League record by scoring after 7.69 seconds at Watford in 2019.
As a bonus Atkinson made it a double by saving a penalty from Morpeth’s Jack Foaly later in the game.
Manager Chris Willcock said: “Jim is a very good striker of the ball but I have to admit his goal was not something we work on in training!”
