Twice as nice: Walsall academy ace Archie Bunn on his centre circle strikes becoming a habit

For most players, scoring from the centre circle is a once-in-a-lifetime moment - but for Walsall youngster Archie Bunn, it’s becoming a habit.

Bunn is making the extraordinary look routine this season, with two stunning long-range goals to his name.

In December, the teenager struck a sweet volley against Morecambe, leaving those around him stunned. So there was far less disbelief when he caught Oldham Athletic’s under-19s goalkeeper off his line last month.

“They had just scored to make it 1-1, and it was fairly close to half-time,” Bunn explained.

“I just saw the keeper off his line and thought there’s no real risk to it - I might as well back myself to ping it.”

From the moment the ball left Bunn’s left boot, it looked destined for the net, with Oldham’s scrambling goalkeeper left watching it sail over his head and into the goal.

“It was a blur, to be honest,” Bunn continued. “Everyone was sort of running around.

“My team-mates were making jokes, asking if we’d still be mates if it went viral online.”

That it did, with his stunning goal shared widely across social media.

Bunn now has a claim to fame, putting his name alongside players such as Wayne Rooney and David Beckham, who have also scored from the halfway line. Charlie Adam achieved the feat too during his time at Stoke City, where Bunn came through the youth ranks.

But few can say they have done it twice.

Just months earlier, the midfielder well-controlled a clearance before unleashing a looping volley beyond the reach of the Morecambe goalkeeper, helping seal an emphatic 5-1 win.

Reacting to his latest goal, Bunn said: “I’d say it’s second best to the one I scored earlier in the season.

“I practice it quite a lot in training, but when it comes off in a match, it’s even better.

“All the coaches encourage me, especially as striking the ball is one of my strengths. They want you to express yourself and do what you’re good at.

“I have loved my time at Walsall so far, playing under Ryan Simmonds and all the coaches.”

With the end of the season rapidly approaching, Bunn has certainly made a strong case for the goal of the season award.

“I hope I’ve got a good claim,” the teenager laughed.

Bunn and his Walsall academy team-mates recently enjoyed valuable experience with the first team, joining a training session - something that fuels the ambition of earning a senior appearance for the Saddlers.

“I’m doing everything I can, working hard on and off the pitch,” Bunn said.

“I’m just trying to give myself the best chance.”