FA Cup star produces 'greatest assist of all time' - but backheel sets up opposition

Chesterfield defender Jeff King was left red-faced after his backheel fell kindly for Tom Rogic to score in their FA Cup third round replay loss to West Bromwich Albion

10:19, 18 Jan 2023

Chesterfield's Jeff King produced the "greatest assist of all-time"(Image: BBC Sport)

An FA Cup star produced the "greatest assist of all-time" on Tuesday but his backheel pass set up the other team instead.

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The comical incident occurred during the third round replay between West Bromwich Albion and Chesterfield at the Hawthorns, with the hosts running out comfortable 4-0 winners. However, they were given a helping hand by their non-league opponents, in particular right-back Jeff King, who inadvertently set up Tom Rogic for the Baggies' second goal.

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Having intercepted a cut-back from Adam Reach, King began dribbling the ball out of the penalty area before backheeling it to what he though was a team-mate behind him.

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Unfortunately for the 27-year-old, the pass evaded his fellow defenders and fell kindly for Rogic, who beat the onrushing Lucas Covolan to the ball and scooped it first time into the top corner.

King was left with his head on his hands as his team-mates turned to him in disgust, meanwhile, fans were quick to react to the mishap on social media, as one tweeted: “He assists who he wants.”

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Another joked: “Great assist. Now let’s hope he does that on Saturday.” A third also commented: “What on earth was going through that boy’s head. Oh my goodness.”

What is the best assist of all-time? Let us know in the comments section below.

Jeff King's backheel fell kindly for Tom Rogic to score(Image: BBC Sport)

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One more supporter added: “Assist of the season here from the Chesterfield player…” Another wrote: “Like something you would see at five-a-side hahaha.”

Rogic's goal all but killed off the tie, having doubled West Brom's lead following an opener from John Swift. Jake Livermore and Jovan Malcolm went on to score as the Championship side completed the rout.

West Brom will now visit fellow second tier outfit Bristol City in the fourth round in round four, with Chesterfield returning to league action. The Spireites are currently fourth in the National League with games in hand on the sides above them.

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Jeff King was left red-faced by his misplaced backheel(Image: BBC Sport)

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Paul Cook's men had been poised to pull off an upset in the two clubs' initial meeting earlier this month, having established a 3-2 lead against the side from three leagues above them.

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However, a stoppage time equaliser from Brandon Thomas-Asante forced a replay in the Midlands which proved one game to far for Chesterfield, who began their FA Cup campaign in the fourth qualifying round against Anstey Nomads back in October.

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