Robins thought to be quickest of all

IAN Robins is thought to have scored Athletic’s fastest-ever goal,

The Chronicle archives reveal he scored after only FIVE seconds against Barnsley in 1972.

Robins scored twice in the 6-0 win, and his first goal that day is the one under discussion. Athletic officials asked the Association of Football Statisticians to find out who holds the official club record for the quickest goal.

In the absence of a definitive response so far, supporters suggested Bert Lister, Jim Fryatt and Wayne Andrews as possibles. But the Robins strike is the leading contender.

Chronicle reporter Jim Williams described it thus: “It was something of a freak. Robins kicked off, pushed the ball to Shaw and when the inside man slid it back, McNeill hit a hopeful one towards the Barnsley box. The ball bounced awkwardly and Robins was in in a flash to shoot into the net as Stewart came out to challenge.

“Referee Walter Johnson clocked the goal at five seconds - and he was probably right for the first and last time of the afternoon.”