Jermaine Beckford accidently ensured the best goal scored in English soccer last weekend came from the lower divisions instead of the Premier League.
Beckford scored from nearly 50 yards out in Preston North End’s 3-0 win over Chesterfield on Sunday. Beckford’s strike came at the tail end of the victory, from which Preston North End secured a place in the League One (English third division) Playoff Final.
Beckford profited from Chesterfield’s goalkeeping emergency. Starter Tommy Lee and backups Aaron Chapman and Myles Wright all missed the game with injuries, forcing Chesterfield to sign Joe Murphy on Saturday on an emergency loan. Murphy lost his bearings at Deepdale, Preston North End’s stadium, allowing Beckford to try his luck from distance in the 87th minute.
Beckford and Preston North End will face either Sheffield United or Swindon Town FC on May 24 at Wembley Stadium in the League One Playoff Final. The winner will earn promotion and compete in the Championship (second division) next season.
Charlie Adam scores from 65 yards out (video) >>
Photo via Twitter/@JOE_co_uk
