LUKE Holmes has always been a hotshot.But the 25-year-old surpassed his previous exploits on Sunday when he scored 'the best goal of my career.'It came at the start of the second half and was timed by the referee at just three seconds.

By Elvin King

LUKE Holmes has always been a hotshot.

But the 25-year-old surpassed his previous exploits on Sunday when he scored 'the best goal of my career.'

It came at the start of the second half and was timed by the referee at just three seconds.

The quickest ever goal recognised by the Football Association is two and a half seconds, while the fastest professional effort came from Bradford's Jim Fryatt - four seconds against Tranmere in 1964.

Holmes was playing for Holbrook Swan in their Licensed Trades League Division Two encounter with Kesgrave Exiles.

The retained fireman and bicycle salesman's feat follows on from Whitton United's Kevin Inglis. who netted 'inside five seconds' in an autumn Ridgeons League game against Cornard.

“I noticed that the Kesgrave goalkeeper was seven or eight yards off his line when Tom Brown and Josh Warwick combined to pass the ball back to me at the re-start,” recalled Holmes.

“I struck the ball sweetly and it flew over the head of the keeper from the semi-circle inside our own half.

“It was the best goal I have scored, and the referee confirmed that it was three seconds from kick-off.”

Holmes plays for Woolverstone on Saturdays in the Metaltec SIL and has netted 18 times including six in a 12-1 victory earlier this season.

The former Holbrook High School pupil played for Holbrook Hornets from the age of eight and has also played for Shotley.

Looking for their second straight promotion after being formed in 2005, the wonder goal put the Swan 3-2 ahead in a game that they went on to win 6-2.

Team mate Warwick said: “It was further out than David Beckham's goal for Manchester United against Wimbledon at Selhurst Park a few years back.

“Luke had already scored one goal and would have had a hat-trick but for hitting a post late on.” Stutton-based Holmes will keep hunting for goals, but he will do well to better his near world record effort of last weekend.