Bristol City striker Dom Ballard produced a stunning moment of individual brilliance during his side’s Championship clash against Birmingham City, scoring an outrageous backheeled volley that has already been tipped as a potential Puskas Award contender.
The 21-year-old struck in the 85th minute at St Andrew’s to put Bristol City 2-1 ahead. Ballard reacted brilliantly to a cross from Rio Cardines, using his right boot while facing away from goal to flick the ball towards the top-left corner, leaving Birmingham goalkeeper James Beadle with no chance.
The spectacular finish immediately went viral on social media, with fans describing it as a potential “goal of the season.” Several supporters were left stunned by the technique and audacity shown by Ballard to attempt such a difficult finish under pressure.
However, Bristol City were denied victory in dramatic fashion as Birmingham substitute Demarai Gray scored a 95th-minute equaliser to make it 2-2. Despite surrendering the lead late on, Ballard’s performance remained one of the major talking points from the entertaining Championship encounter.
The goal was also Ballard’s first competitive strike for Bristol City since joining the club from Leyton Orient earlier this month. Speaking after the match, the striker admitted he was delighted with the finish and said he did not expect to score many goals better than it.
