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      Forgotten ex-Leeds star scores ‘quickest goal ever’ after netting just TWO SECONDS into non-league match

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      RYAN HALL scored just 2.31 seconds into Croydon FC’s clash with Cockfosters at the weekend.The former Leeds and Crystal Palace ace, 36, took aim straight from kick-off.
      Ryan Hall had a go straight from kick-offCredit: https://twitter.com/Croydon_FC
      The ball sailed through the South London airCredit: https://twitter.com/Croydon_FC
      Hall, 36, was mobbed by his amazed team-matesCredit: https://twitter.com/Croydon_FC
      To even his amazement, Hall’s shot looped over the helpless goalkeeper and in.
      Fans in the crowd were left stunned, believing they may just have witnessed the quickest goal ever.
      After the game Croydon tweeted: “The goal was timed at 2.31 seconds, which we understand to be the fastest goal in senior football in the world.”
      They then tagged Guinness World Records, asking if they could confirm whether it was in fact the quickest-ever goal.
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      Croydon did receive a response, with Guinness World Reciords writing: “What a hit son, what a hit.”
      They did not, however, confirm whether it was the world’s quickest goal.
      Saudi Arabian striker Nawaf Al Abed scored in 2.4 seconds during a match between Al-Hilal and Al-Shoalah in a Prince Faisal bin Fahad Cup match.
      Amazingly the goal was subsequently not recognised by Fifa, as Al-Hilal were claimed to have fielded too many players over the age of 21.
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      Scot Gavin Stokes did score 2.1 seconds into Maryhill’s clash with Clydebank in the West of Scotland Super League First Division in 2017.
      While it may not quite have been the world’s quickest goal, Hall’s strike did set Croydon on their way to a 3-0 win.
      EFL fans demand ‘automatic relegation’ after goalkeeper and defender combine for ‘Sunday league’ own-goal
      The Trams currently sit eighth in the Southern Counties East Football League.
      Hall only joined Croydon from Beckenham Town earlier this month.
      The Trams are the sixth non-league team the winger has played for since his last EFL stint with Luton back in 2016.
      His most notable spell came with Southend between 2010 and 2013, when he earned a move to Leeds by scoring 23 goals and laying on 39 assists in 105 appearances.
      Hall previously starred for Southend United among othersCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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      EFL chairman to raise season tickets prices and cost of beer in blunt series of tweets with club in ‘million pound hole’

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      THE chairman of League Two side Accrington Stanley has raised season ticket prices and the cost of beer to fix a “million pound hole.”Andy Holt made the blunt reveal to fans through a series of posts on X.
      Accrington Stanley have raised season ticket and beer prices to make ends meetCredit: Getty
      Chairman Andy Holt said the club was looking at a ‘million pound hole’Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      Accrington were relegated to League Two last season after finishing second-bottom.
      As a result, their finances have taken a huge hit.
      And with promotion back to League One looking unlikely, 12th-place Accrington are finding other ways to beat the pinch.
      Holt confirmed on social media that the first course of action was to raise season ticket prices, generating an extra £34,000.
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      Telling fans to “remember we’re in a million pound hole”, Holt revealed that “matchday ticketing will also increase, bringing in a further £145k.”
      But punters will have to cough up more for drinks and snacks too, with beer and concessions for ALL events at the Crown Ground rising to bring in an extra £70k.
      That amounts to a grand total of £249k, with Holt adding: “If you don’t want to buy a Wispa off the club, I can do nothing about that.
      “It’s your club, as I’m reminded often and agree with. First team costs will fall by a minimum of £250k. This is our future.”
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      Holt went on to reveal that some “forever injured players” are costing Accrington a small fortune.
      He said: “Saturday’s squad of 18 cost the club a total of £621,395.20 a year, out of £1.6million being blown on forever injured players and some that are having operations for long-held injuries.
      EFL clashes postponed hours before kick-off as heavy rain wreaks havoc on football calendar
      “Some of which they had when they were signed, knowing full well they are not signing a new contract at the end of the season.
      “On top of that we have the cost of physio, medical etc. It’s not good enough. I don’t accept we’re just unlucky.”
      In October, Holt sensationally put Accrington Stanley up for sale on Twitter.
      And after spelling out his plan to receive more income through TV deals, “increased commercial activity” and sell-on fees, Holt provided an update.
      He added: “There is ZERO hope of me funding football losses of over £1m again.
      “I don’t mind investing in facilities. It’s unlikely there will be a sale of the club.” More

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      EFL fans demand ‘automatic relegation’ after goalkeeper and defender combine for ‘Sunday league’ own goal

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      EFL fans joked Carlisle deserved “automatic relegation” for a hilarious own goal.The Cumbrians hosted Cambridge at Brunton Park on Saturday afternoon.
      A Cambridge cross from the right looked to be simple to deal withCredit: EFL
      Goalkeeper Harry Lewis dropped the ball against the head of Samuel LavelleCredit: EFL
      But it was a nightmare for League One’s bottom side as they were thumped 4-0 at home.
      And they did not help themselves as the goalkeeper and defender combined for their baffling blunder.
      Already trailing, Carlisle fell 2-0 down on 69 minutes.
      Cambridge whipped in a cross from the right – but it looked like there was no danger as it bounced inside the six-yard box towards ‘keeper Harry Lewis.
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      Lewis, though, inexplicably let the ball slip through his fingers and it inadvertently cannoned off the head of nearby centre-half Samuel Lavelle.
      And Lavelle, Lewis nor covering defender Ben Barclay were able to do anything as the ball bounced slowly over the line and into the back of the net for a bizarre own goal.
      The accidental goalscorer and his goalkeeper looked at each other perplexed as Cambridge celebrated somewhat sheepishly.
      And supporters piled in with brilliant reactions online.
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      One said: “Sorry Carlisle but this should mean automatic relegation.”
      Another wrote: “That is Sunday league.”
      Peter Crouch and Joe Cole in stitches on live TV at reporter’s cheeky question
      A third added: “I’d be embarrassed by that in our kickabouts on a Tuesday lunchtime.”
      A fourth commented: “I appreciate that, when you’re going down, nothing goes right, but this is just a dumb, dumb goal conceded by Carlisle.”
      And a final user simply blasted: “Unacceptable.”
      The afternoon only went from bad to worse for Carlisle as Elias Kachunga and Ryan Bennett completed the rout and secured what could be three crucial points in their fight to avoid relegation.
      Carlisle, however, have now lost seven in a row and remain 24th on 20 points, 13 from safety with 14 games remaining. More

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      EFL club’s stadium looks unrecognisable in bold futuristic plans to have UK’s first all-electric ground

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      OXFORD UNITED have outlined plans to build the “most-sustainable mid-sized sports venue in the country”.The U’s are contracted to play at their current Kassam Stadium home until 2026.
      Oxford United have unveiled their new stadium plansCredit: Oxford United football club
      The League One side plan for their new ground to be the first all-electric stadium in the countryCredit: Oxford United football club
      Rather than extending their agreement, they are looking to build a new ground at The Triangle in Kidlington.
      In addition to a slew of modern facilities, the proposed ground is set to become the nation’s first all-electric stadium.
      Rather than gas and other fossil fuels, Oxford’s new build will rely solely on electricity.
      The 16,000-seater stadium will also feature 3000m² solar panels along its roof – enough to boil three million three-litre kettles per year.
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      On the new project, Oxford’s development director Jon Clarke said: “The standout element of the stadium is it will be the most sustainable mid-sized sports venue in the country.
      “We want to make the most of the opportunity to create something special – it would be one of the greenest football stadiums to be built.”
      Oxford recently signed the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework.
      The Framework aims to help tackle the climate crisis.
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      On the thinking behind Oxford’s green new stadium, Clarke added: “The stadium design has sustainability and visitor experience at its core.
      “We’ve maximised modern technology, design and progressive thinking to create the benchmark for future design of stadiums with the protection of our planet in firm focus.
      Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozers
      “By avoiding natural gas usage on site and by using highly efficient equipment to serve a high-quality building, the carbon emissions associated with this unique venue will be radically reduced resulting in a very low impact home.”
      Oxford’s new facility is also set to include a 180-bed hotel, restaurant and conference centre.
      There will also be a heath & wellbeing space, gym and community plaza.
      The League One side have confirmed that they are preparing their full planning application in preparation for submission.
      Oxford’s chief executive Tim Williams said last October: “With our right to use the Kassam Stadium coming to an end in 2026 and no option to renew the lease, we must find a new home.
      “The club is committed to developing a proposal which is highly sustainable and community focused whilst providing a state-of-the-art destination for all.
      “The further detail we have released today shows how seriously we take these principles, and I am delighted to share the first glimpse of our stadium with the whole of Oxfordshire.
      “I hope everyone from Kidlington, the surrounding areas and across the county will come to the exhibition and take a look at the plans.
      “We want to hear all your feedback.”
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      Oxford want their new stadium to incorporate a tight bowl – a far cry from their current three-stand Kassam home.
      They also plan for both their men’s and women’s team to play at their stadium, which they feel will be better connected by public transport.
      Oxford’s current Kassam Stadium home only has three sidesCredit: Rex More

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      I’m in top 3% of OnlyFans stars & dubbed ‘Wrexham’s sexiest fan’… I’m treated worse than drug dealers for X-rated pics

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      WREXHAM’S sexiest fan has claimed she has been treated worse than a drug dealer by online trolls.Alaw Haf is one of the most followed content creators on adult site OnlyFans – but her popularity does not stretch across the internet.
      Alaw Haf has been dubbed Wrexham’s sexiest fanCredit: Instagram / @alawpx
      She is in the top three per cent of OnlyFans creatorsCredit: Instagram / @alawpx
      Alaw has been trolled online for her lifestyle choiceCredit: Instagram / @alawpx
      But she said she is always treated well at Wrexham matchesCredit: Instagram / @alawpx
      The Wrexham supporter is reportedly in the top three per cent of OnlyFans stars, with fans flocking to her page in search of racy content.
      Alaw, 25, is happy to show off and is understood to have made as much as £5000 some months.
      But her lifestyle has been met with a fair share of backlash as Alaw revealed he has been targeted with abuse.
      Alaw told the Fearless In Devotion podcast: “I don’t know why people get so bothered about it [saucy content]. I’m not affecting anyone’s lives apart from me.
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      “It’s an honest living. Drug dealers don’t pay tax, I do but I’m seen as worse sometimes than them. That’s what it used to feel like but now I don’t get as much stick.”
      However Alaw has received no such treatment at Wrexham games and instead praised the warm welcome she has received at the Racecourse Ground.
      She continued: “Do you know what, it has been so nice because anytime I go [to the Racecourse Ground], people just look after you. Everyone takes care of me whenever I’ve gone.
      “Obviously what I do for a living is controversial and I did expect to get a lot of stick and hate, but so far everyone’s been really nice.
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      “There has been no seediness or anything like that, just genuinely people being nice, and I’ve loved it.”
      Wrexham announce two Transfer Deadline Day signings within 15 minutes as Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney splash cash
      Alaw is also an avid Wales fanCredit: Instagram / @alawpx
      She boasts more than 100,000 Instagram followersCredit: Instagram / @alawpx
      Alaw has raked in up to £5000 a month thanks to her racy contentCredit: Instagram / @alawpx More

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      My dad is a Premier League cult hero.. now I’m following in his footsteps playing for club who adored him

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      A MALIAN international who starred in the Premier League is now watching on proudly as his son follows in his footsteps at his former club.Former midfielder Mamady Sidibe, 44, was a huge favourite at Stoke City after previously playing for Swansea City and Gillingham.
      Mamady Sidibe was a huge fan favourite at Stoke City under Tony PulisCredit: PA:Press Association
      Now his son Sol is playing for the Potters after graduating from their academyCredit: Getty
      After being signed in 2005, he went on to become a key player for the Potters under Tony Pulis.
      Sidibe, who was capped 14 times for his country, appeared to love life at Stoke and settled down roots there for the long-term during his eight years at the club.
      He played over 250 times, scoring 24 goals, in the league and celebrated promotion to the Premier League with them in 2008.
      After loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Tranmere Rovers, he left Stoke in 2013 for a brief spell in Bulgaria with CSKA Sofia.
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      The following year he retired from football and along with Bineta, his wife, he opened a patisserie in the Potteries Shopping Centre near to Stoke.
      But these days there is another Sidibe making a name for themselves at his father’s former stomping ground.
      Mamady’s son Sol penned a long-term deal with Stoke last summer after turning pro and impressing on the pre-season training camp in Costa Blanca.
      He was born in 2007, right when his dad was helping the club to promotion from the Championship, and joined their academy at the age of eight.
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      And his progress was rewarded at the start of the season when the ace, who turned 17 on Saturday, signed his three-year contract.
      Speaking at the time, Sol said: “It is a really proud moment for me and my family.
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      “I know this is a football club where you can earn the opportunities to progress.
      “I have enjoyed – and been grateful for – the chance to play for the Under-21s and be in the first team environment in recent times.
      “My immediate focus is on training hard and preparing myself for the new season but, of course, my long-held ambition is to represent the first team and that is what I will be giving my all to achieve.”
      Despite his young age, Sol has gone on to achieve that dream already this season.
      He came off the bench during Stoke’s 4-1 victory over Rotherham on the opening day of the Championship season to make his senior debut.
      And he has gone on to make six further appearances for the club, including outings in both the League Cup and FA Cup.
      However, it is not only at club level that he is catching the eye.
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      Despite his African heritage, Sol has already represented England on the international stage.
      He made his debut for the U17s in a 3-2 defeat to Portugal in September and has gone on to add another cap to his collection since.
      Sol made his senior debut this season and has appeared a further six timesCredit: Getty More

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      Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney donate £10,000 to fan, 4, with rare condition in touching gesture

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      RYAN REYNOLDS and Rob McElhenney have made an incredibly touching gesture to help a young supporter battle a rare genetic condition.The Hollywood actors have become big hits with English football fans since they bought Wrexham in November 2020.
      Wrexham’s Hollywood owners have made a huge contribution to help a young fanCredit: Getty
      They have since led Wrexham to National League promotion and they are currently riding high in League Two following their return to the EFL.
      One of those who has been cheering the Welsh side during their remarkable rise under the American duo is four-year-old Louis.
      He has been a regular at the Racecourse Ground but his family have now launched an appeal for help.
      They are looking to raise £40,000 in order to adapt their home to help the youngster, who also has epilepsy and cerebral palsy, with his TUBA1A condition, that severely limits his mobility.
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      Now Reynolds and McElhenney have made a huge contribution to ensuring that Louis gets what he needs by making a £10,000 donation on his JustGiving page.
      The pair sent the money on Friday as a message from “Ryan & Rob” read: “Up the town, young man.”
      Wrexham Police FC had brought the appeal to the attention of the chiefs.
      They are running a fundraiser for Louis which includes a charity match against the North Wales Dragons on March 23.
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      Reynolds messaged them and said: “It’s our third anniversary of becoming stewards of the club. Today! Thanks for all your help bringing attention to great causes around town. Happy Anniversary!”
      The huge sum donated by Reynolds and McElhenney has now moved the fund over the £17k mark.
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      Louis’ family, who hope to build a wheelchair-accessible bedroom on the ground floor, as well as a wet room for his care, said in their appeal: “Currently the need for constant support in the home has a detrimental effect on Louis’s happiness.
      “He is frustrated by his dependence on others.
      “He cannot access his bedroom, move around, and play like his brother and friends. By helping fund adaptations, you are helping Louis stay in a safe and happy home with our family.” More

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      Huge EFL clash CALLED OFF after 9 mins over fears for players as weather wreaks havoc after away fans travelled 400miles

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      BOLTON’S clash at Cambridge was postponed after just NINE MINUTES due to the weather.The promotion chasers and their supporters had made the 400 mile round-trip south in the grim and wet conditions for tonight’s League One clash.
      Cambridge’s clash with Bolton was called off after just nine minutesCredit: Rex
      Heavy downpours made the pitch unplayable despite work from ground staffCredit: Rex
      Ground staff had been working on the pitch right up until kick-off as they shovelled dry soil to an area pointed out by the concerned ref.
      He had also inspected the same spot just before starting the game with the rain lashing down.
      However, inside the opening five minutes there was standing water beginning to pop up in several places on the playing surface.
      Then, in the ninth minute, the ref whistled to stop the game and after a short consultation with both dug-outs, the teams headed down the tunnel.
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      But the heavy water on the surface forced the referee to stop play after just nine minutes.
      The game started as scheduled at 7.45pm but it did not take long for the effects of today’s heavy downpours to show.
      Bolton’s social media account then reported that the referee ran to speak with both Cambridge boss Neil Harris and Bolton’s Ian Evatt.
      The official then “called the players into the tunnel with the pitch deteriorating in the rain”.
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      That was then followed by a further update that read: “There will be a ten minute wait to assess the pitch.
      “The ground staff are attempting to clear the standing water off the surface.
      Crunch EFL clash CALLED OFF just 90 minutes before kick-off as fans slam ‘absolute disgrace’ after four-hour round-trip
      “We will provide more information when we have it.”
      Then came the news that the game had been officially abandoned due to the waterlogged pitch.
      Fans were left furious earlier when Burton Albion’s clash with Cheltenham Town was postponed less than 90 minutes before kick-off.
      And that was followed by the news that the League Two game between Walsall and Morecambe was also off due to a waterlogged pitch. More