Everton keeper Howard sorry after scoring incredible 80-yard goal against Bolton



Everton's Tim Howard admitted he felt 'awful' after becoming the only the fourth goalkeeper to score in the Barclays Premier League - because he felt sorry for his opposite number.

The USA international stunned Goodison Park on Wednesday night when he opened the scoring after looping a 80-yard clearance over the head of helpless Bolton keeper Adam Bogdan.

Howard joins Peter Schmeichel - who also scored at Goodison, over 10 years ago for Aston Villa - Brad Friedel and Paul Robinson to celebrate unlikely goals as goalkeepers in the Premier League.



Collector's item: Howard's long clearance bounces up and over Bogdan

Can you believe it? The players race to celebrate with Howard after his memorable strike But the 32-year-old was ultimately left disappointed as lowly Bolton clawed their way back to win 2-1 on an incredibly gusty evening on Merseyside, which Howard admits assisted his amazing 63rd minute freak strike.

'I was delighted that we were in the lead and would hopefully go on to get three points, but it's not a nice feeling for a keeper,' said Howard.

'It's really awful actually. For the back four and the goalkeepers at both ends, there was an awful wind swirling.

'You could see everybody was mistiming balls. Defenders were missing clearances that normally they would put up the field.

Well done, pal: John Heitinga congratulates Howard on his strike Nightmare: Adam Bogdan can't believe has has been beaten by Howard

'I think the wind is the hardest condition to play in. Snow, rain, sun doesn't matter, but the wind really does play tricks on you.'

Everton boss David Moyes added: 'It was a freak goal and we hadn't really deserved to be ahead. When we were 1-0 up, I hoped we might have enough to keep the lead but we didn't have.'



Bolton boss Owen Coyle couldn't believe his eyes as Howard was mobbed by his Everton team-mates but was pleased his side managed to fight back to secure a precious win thanks to goals from former Liverpool striker David Ngog and Chelsea-bound defender Gary Cahill.

Fan-tastic: Everton fans were amazed by the American goalkeeper's wonder strike at Goodison Park



'Howard’s goal was quite possibly the most freakish I have seen,' said Bolton boss Coyle.

' Adam Bogdan was magnificent and was in a good position. The lad certainly wasn't at fault. But we then showed character and resilience.

'You start to think the bad luck we had in 2011 has carried over to 2012 but I thought we would come back because of the way we were playing and the way we did was a measure of our character and resilience.'