The greatest goalscoring debuts

1. George Hilsdon, for Chelsea at home to Glossop, second division, Sept 1, 1906

On his first appearance since leaving West Ham United, Hilsdon scores five times in Chelsea’s 9-2 victory on the opening day of the season. The forward makes his England debut five months later and his goals help Chelsea to rise to the top flight.

2. Len Shackleton, for Newcastle United at home to Newport County, second division, Oct 5, 1946

In the week he joins Newcastle from Bradford Park Avenue, Shackleton scores six goals for his new team in their 13-0 victory, which remains a club-record winning scoreline. His feat includes a first-half hat-trick in 2min 35sec.

3. Colin Lee, for Tottenham Hotspur at home to Bristol Rovers, second division, Oct 22, 1977

Just signed from Torquay United, Lee scores four times on his first appearance for Tottenham as they beat Rovers 9-0. Luckily for Match of the Day it is one of their two games and it takes top billing ahead of the goalless Merseyside derby.

4. Alan Shearer, for Southampton at home to Arsenal, first division, April 9, 1988

Aged 17, the future England striker becomes the youngest player to score a hat-trick in a first start in a top-division match, breaking Jimmy Greaves’s record and helping his team to a 4-2 victory. He has previously played twice in the league as a substitute.