ACE HALL SCORES – IN 2.31 SECONDS

RYAN HALL is claiming a Guinness World Record for the fastest ever goal – after scoring in 2.31 SECONDS.

The former Crystal Palace and Leeds United forward fired straight from kick-off to set Croydon FC on their way to a 3-0 victory over Cockfosters in the semi-finals of the London Senior Trophy last Saturday.

His strike, from all of 50 yards, is believed to be the fastest goal in senior football in the world.

“I don’t think the goalkeeper was expecting it,” the 36-year-old said of his outrageous effort from the centre circle. “He was on the edge of the box and normally keepers go back to their line when you kick off but he didn’t.

“I said to one of my teammates: ‘I’m going to hit this from here, don’t touch it.’ And he said: ‘No way, you’re not going to do it.’ But I was like: ‘I’m going to do it’ and it went in.”

Even more ironically, Hall’s effort came with his very first kick of a ball for his new club having returned to his boyhood club.

Hall’s strike helped Croydon FC to a first cup final for 15 years – and was on the scoresheet again to seal another semi-final victory, against Whitstable Town, in the Kent Senior Trophy on Tuesday night.

Boss Liam Giles said: “To be totally honest, I’m sure if you watch the video you’ll see my reaction, I wasn’t that shocked!

“Don’t get me wrong I didn’t expect him to shoot from kickoff, but when he did it didn’t surprise me because I know the ability that he has.

“He has played in the Championship and you don’t lose that ability and that touch, he’s naturally gifted.

“It was Ryan’s home debut and his first kick of the ball playing back at Croydon Arena, he hasn’t been there since he was nine years old.”

Giles knows how lucky he is to have Hall in the ranks after such an extensive career in both the EFL and Non-League.

“It’s amazing to have a player of Ryan’s pedigree in the squad – his professionalism and stories are incredible,” Giles added. “Even though we’re in Step 6 it’s like he’s still playing in the Championship. He takes the young players under his wing.

“He said he’d end his career at Croydon – I still believe he could play Step 2 comfortably if he got himself fully fit because you don’t lose that ability.

“I think everyone is going to be wise to Ryan shooting from kick-off now, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he tried it again!”