Thanks for the response. So I was in row 20 and nothing was said regarding people on short connections however this was a German Airways wetleased aircraft so perhaps this is why it was missed. Naturally when the seatbelt was switched off everyone stood in the aisle so there was no way to get a head start, on overhearing others many were also on similarly short connections.

And yes, I meant the 'short connection lane'. This line was already out of the tensa barrier and despite moving quickly still took its time. I've also done AMS connections very quickly before, but sometimes things don't work in your favour.