The EFL is often a hotspot of drama and entertainment throughout the leagues, with action and excitement a regular theme lower down the English pyramid.
One thing that cannot be predicted is the speed at which either side can open the scoring. Some action occasionally happens straight from kick-off, before some fans even take their seats.
These goals are celebrated for their fast execution and precision, leaving a mark on EFL history.
10. Scott Hogan – 12 seconds – MK Dons vs Chesterfield (2024)
The first and the most recent addition on the list, MK Dons striker Scott Hogan, opened the scoring for his side 12 seconds in against League Two rivals Chesterfield at Stadium MK last December. The early opener helped the Dons to a 3-0 win over the Spireites, as the away side finished the game with 10 men.
The Irishman’s early strike was the fastest goal to be scored in both League Two and the EFL last season, and also broke the club’s record for the earliest goal, which was previously set at 22 seconds in 2007. The goal was a result of a well-planned, well-drilled passing play, with Joe Prichard sending the ball into the box to Hogan from kick-off, who was able to get a foot on the cross and convert past Max Thompson.
9. Lee Steele – 12 seconds – Leyton Orient vs Oxford United (2005)
Former Oxford United striker Lee Steele’s 12-second goal was, and still is, Leyton Orient’s fastest ever goal in the club’s 142-year history. The goal was scored just 12 seconds into the game, in a fourth-tier clash with opponents Oxford in 2005. Despite the early lead, Orient had to fight back to get an equaliser in the final stages of the game, after finding themselves 2-1 down thanks to goals from Steve Basham and Tommy Mooney. Michael Simpson levelled the game 20 minutes from time.
The goal came as a result of a defensive error after a ball was played long over the top, with goalkeeper Chris Tardif unable to keep hold of the ball. This led to Steele poking the ball home from close-range, but at a tight, right angle.
8. Kieran Agard – 12 seconds – Rotherham United vs Gillingham (2014)
Another fast goal, which led to an enthralling game between two sides, Kieran Agard scored within the opening 12 seconds against Gillingham, the fastest goal of his career. The goal came from close range and almost immediately after kick-off, when Agard capitalised on a brilliant low-cross inside the Gills’ penalty area.
The early goal set the tempo for the game, with the match ending 4-3 to the Millers, thanks to a second-half hat-trick from substitute Tom Hitchcock. The early goal and the game reflected Rotherham’s ambitions for the season, with the side finishing fourth in the play-off spots.
7. Nick Chadwick – 11 seconds – Plymouth Argyle vs Crystal Palace (2005)
Another goal, which is the fastest in club history, Argyle’s Nick Chadwick scored within the opening 11 seconds in Plymouth’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace in the Championship in 2005. The early opener put the home side in good stead for the rest of the game, with Tony Capaldi confirming the result with a second in injury time at the end of the second half.
Chadwick capitalised on a flick-on from Micky Evans, lobbing the ball over Palace keeper Julian Speroni to propel his side into an early lead at Home Park. Interestingly, Capaldi’s 94th-minute goal to double their lead is also Plymouth’s longest ever gap between two goals scored on home turf in one match.
6. Gassan Ahadme – 11 seconds – Cambridge United vs Burton Albion (2022)
The second-most recent goal on this list, then Burton Albion striker Gassan Ahadme scored against Cambridge United, a side he would later go on to play for, within 11 seconds. However, despite the early start, Cambridge would come back to win the game at the Abbey 4-3, with the away side finishing the game with 10 men.
Ahadme capitalised on a loose ball inside the U’s penalty area, heading home to put his side one up away from home within the opening minute. But, the Brewers found themselves down to 10 men just nine minutes later, and would go on to lose the game.
5. Nick Barmby – Seven seconds – Hull City vs Walsall (2004)
Nick Barmby gave Hull City the perfect start against Walsall in League One in 2004, scoring just seven seconds from kick-off. Much like the other goals in this list, this goal was and is still the fastest in the Tigers’ history, and helped the side to a 3-1 win.
From kick-off, the ball was played out to Stuart Green, who had made a run down the right-hand side, before playing a perfect cross into Barmby, who was able to convert, on the volley, from close range. Further goals from Stuart Elliot and Junior Lewis ruled out any hopes of a comeback, Walsall’s Michael Standing getting the Saddlers’ only goal of the game.
4. Albert Mundy – Six seconds – Aldershot vs Hartlepool United (1958)
Although Albert Mundy’s record was broken just six years later, Mundy’s goal against Harlepool United was, at the time, the fastest ever goal in world football recorded. The goal was scored at the Victoria Ground in Hartlepool, and the game finished 3-0 to Aldershot.
The ball was passed immediately to Mundy after kick-off, with him able to convert with just a few seconds on the clock. He scored over 100 goals in his two years at Aldershot, but his goal against Hartlepool was by far the fastest in his career.
3. Keith Smith – Six seconds – Crystal Palace vs Derby County (1964)
Although not the fastest, Keith Smith scored one of the fastest goals in Football League history for Crystal Palace against Derby County in League Division Two in 1964 at the Baseball Ground. The goal also came in just six seconds after kickoff, marking Palace’s earliest goal in the club’s history.
Brian Whitehouse launched the ball forward from the whistle and found Smith in space. Smith was able to slot the ball past Rams keeper Reg Matthews, giving the Eagles an immediate one-goal lead. Despite the early opener, the game finished 3-3, with the away side fighting back to gain a point.
2. Barrie Jones – Six seconds – Notts County vs Torquay United (1962)
Barrie Jones scored a remarkable goal within six seconds of kick-off for Notts County in a third division game against Torquay United in March 1962. At the time, it broke Mundy’s record and set a record for the fastest ever Football League goal, and still stands as Notts County’s fastest ever goal to this day.
Jones took the kickoff before sprinting towards the right-hand side of the box. Bob Forrest received the ball before delivering a pass into the path of Jones, who was able to find the finish underneath the Torquay keeper. This goal still writes itself into the history books over 60 years later.
1. Jim Fryatt – Four seconds – Bradford Park Avenue vs Tranmere Rovers (1964)
The fastest goal to be scored in the EFL goes to Jim Fryatt, who, according to referee Bob Simmons, scored in exactly four seconds for Bradford Park Avenue in a game against Tranmere Rovers in 1964. This goal is one of the quickest goals ever recorded in English football history, with many believing it is the fastest league goal ever recorded.
The ball was played to Fryatt after kick-off, and his shot from outside the box found the back of the net, giving Bradford Park Avenue an almost immediate lead. His side went on to win the game 4-2, helped by the early goal, no doubt.
