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Football

10th Aug 2017

Paul Green surely didn’t mean to score this 40 yard free kick

Was from way out on the touchline

Patrick McCarry

Surely Paul Green could score a 40 yard free kick that leaves you feeling underwhelmed.

The 34-year-old has not played for Ireland since 2014 but he is still making his way as a high level pro in England’s Championship. Having enjoyed spells with Leeds, Derby and Doncaster, Green is now with Oldham Athletic.

He scored his first goal for Oldham against Burton Albion on Wednesday but he surely won’t be claiming he meant to whip home a free-kick 40 yards out and on the left-hand touchline.

Early in the second half Green grabbed the equaliser when his cross evaded everyone, including Burton’s Connor Ripley. The goalkeeper, who is on loan from Middlesbrough after Darren Randolph’s arrival from West Ham, made a complete hash of collecting the cross.

Ripley was anticipating a glancing header from the Oldham players in his box but it never came and left both him and midfielder Luke Varney, who was covering the back post, looking quite foolish.

You can see the goal from 30 seconds [below]:

A Craig Davies penalty made it 2-1 to Oldham but they conceded two goals in the final 20 minutes to lose 3-2.

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