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Ebbsfleet United's Preston Edwards recalls the day he set a world record for the fastest red card shown to a goalkeeper

World record holder Preston Edwards this weekend comes face-to-face with the team against whom he became a YouTube sensation almost exactly three years ago.

Edwards, the Ebbsfleet No.1, made history on February 5, 2011 when he was sent-off after just 10 seconds – the fastest-ever dismissal for a goalkeeper.

The Fleet’s opponents that day, Farnborough, return to Stonebridge Road on Saturday for the first time since that incident, which has been watched more than eight million times on the internet.

Edwards has a reputation as one of the finest goalkeepers in non-league football but he knows the video will always live with him.

He said: "I’m always getting reminded about it. The kids I work with, they’ve all seen it. Everyone calls me 'the 10-second keeper'. It’s the thing I’m remembered for."

Preston Edwards in action earlier this season Picture: Andy Payton
Preston Edwards in action earlier this season Picture: Andy Payton

Ebbsfleet played the ball back into their own half from kick-off and Edwards was exposed by a weak Ryan Blake back-pass.

Kezie Ibe got to the loose ball first and when Edwards brought him down, he had to go.

He said: "I didn’t know what to do. I went with my feet, rather than my hands, which I wouldn’t normally do. I knew what was coming. I didn’t argue with the ref.

"After I’d finished swearing and cursing in the dressing-room and shouting at the shower, I did watch most of the game."

Ebbsfleet, who lost 3-0 that day, could return to third in Skrill South with a win over Farnborough this weekend.

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