Ben Roberts

Ben Roberts

Goalkeeper Ben holds an unwanted record having conceded the fastest ever goal in an F.A.Cup final when Chelsea’s Roberto Di Matteo scored after only 42 seconds against his Middlesbrough side.

Joining Boro as a Youth Trainee, Ben found it difficult to earn a regular spot between the sticks at Ayresome Park and was farmed out to five clubs on loan including the Hatters for whom he turned in 14 assured appearances at the end of the1999-2000 campaign.

Transferred to Charlton in the summer of 2000, Ben fared little better at the Valley leading up to more loan moves including a shorter spell at Luton in 2002.

Ben finally earned a permanent goalkeeping spot at Brighton in 2003 but sadly had to retire from the game at 29 following a persistent back injury.

Since retiring, Ben has become a goalkeeping coach of note at Yeovil, Charlton and Brighton.