Puskás Award winner decided already? Insane goal from the English Championship. VIDEO
Dom Ballard has produced an early contender for one of the goals of the season.
Details: An incredible moment came in Bristol City's Championship clash away to Birmingham on August 22. In the 85th minute, with the score at 1-1, Rio Cardines delivered a cross into the penalty area, where Ballard was positioned with his back to goal. The forward somehow connected with the ball on the volley using his heel and sent a stunning finish into the top corner to put Bristol City 2-1 ahead.
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The finish immediately went viral on social media. Fans began describing Ballard's extraordinary backheel volley as a potential contender for the FIFA Puskás Award, while the strike was also widely hailed as an early goal-of-the-season candidate.
The spectacular goal was especially dramatic because it came so late in the match. Bristol City appeared to be heading for all three points after Ballard restored their advantage, having come on as a substitute.
However, the visitors were denied victory in stoppage time. Demarai Gray converted a penalty in the fifth added minute to make it 2-2 and rescue a point for Birmingham at St Andrew's.
The final result may have taken some of the shine off Bristol City's afternoon, but Ballard's finish remained the defining moment of the game and quickly attracted attention far beyond the Championship.
It is worth noting that the spectacular strike was Ballard's first competitive goal for Bristol City and also his first goal in the Championship.
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Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert