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30-yard shots that fly into the top corner are always great, even if it’s a defender kicking the ball into his own net.

That’s the fate that befell poor Evgen Eliseev (remember the name) this weekend on the opening day of the Ukrainian Premier League season, as newly promoted Goverla endured a disastrous start away to Chernomorets.

Already 1-0 down after half an hour, it got worse for Goverla when Eliseev, attempting to break up an opposition attack, slid in and directed the ball back towards his own goal at great height and great pace.

The ball flew into the top corner and left Eliseev looking pretty red-faced, but we would have a degree of sympathy with Eliseev and instead blame the goalkeeper, who didn’t want to handle the ball in case it would have been deemed as a backpass.

Even it was a backpass he would have been better off handling it and conceding a free-kick, but instead he attempted a ridiculous headed clearance and could only help the ball into the net.

Whoever was to blame it still made for a spectacular own goal and hopefully for those of us who take enjoyment from the more unfortunate aspects of football, the first of many to come in the season ahead.

Check it out for yourself in the video above.

Hat tip to the folks at 101 Great Goals for the video.