Dom Ballard scores ‘goal of the season contender’ with ‘ridiculous’ backheel into the top corner
Dom Ballard scores a ‘goal of the season contender’ with ‘ridiculous’ backheel into the top corner in Bristol City’s 2-2 draw with Birmingham.
Scott Twine had put the Robins ahead 33 minutes in before Carlos Vicente then had the scoreline level just before half time.
Ballard thought he got the winner on 85 minutes when he produced something special, then Birmingham snatched a draw when Demarai Gray scored with a 95th minute spot kick.
A quite frankly, ludicrous goal from Dom Ballard. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/sHS6VlIZF9
— Bristol City FC (@BristolCity) August 22, 2026
Dom Ballard on his first City goal, today’s draw and the travelling support. 🎤 pic.twitter.com/WuXKphxS7i
— Bristol City FC (@BristolCity) August 22, 2026
INTERVIEW WITH BALLARD:
Interviewer: “Dom, 2-2 here at St Andrews, a really gutting end to that game. What was your immediate reflections?”
Dom: “Yeah, obviously really disappointed with the result in the end. Thought we had a better team throughout the whole 90. We created a lot of chances and we took a couple of good goals. Yeah, some poor refereeing decisions and yeah, ultimately gutted.”
Interviewer: “You referenced the refereeing decisions there, but do you feel there possibly is a harsh lesson to learn about controlling the game better in those closing stages?”
Dom: “Yeah, of course. There’s always things that we can do and yeah you’re right that’s what we’ve got to focus on, the controllables and yeah maybe we should have controlled the game better but yeah big decisions change games.”
Interviewer: “Arguably deserve three points like you say but a point is better than none especially here against a good Birmingham City side, hungrier than ever I guess to go and get that first win now.”
Dom: “Yeah 100 % we thought we had it today but yeah you’re right we really need a win, hopefully going back to Bristol we can get the win and yeah it will definitely heighten it a bit more.”
Interviewer: “Despite the result, really good performance overall, really positive individual performances, none better than yourself coming on as a substitute and what an outrageous finish that is.”
Dom: “Yeah, obviously not just me, think the performances from everyone. Everyone played their role today and did it really well. But yeah, to score that goal, I don’t think I’ll score many better, but yeah, really, really, really happy.”
Interviewer: “And you’re up and running as well for the season on a personal level, that must be positive, especially after only two league games.”
Dom: “Yeah, when you come to a new club you want to hit the ground running really quickly and didn’t happen last week, were circumstances and but yeah, to get it today, especially like you said against the good Birmingham side, yeah, it was a lovely goal.”
Interviewer: “And a sold out away end as well in full voice from minute one to the end with us today.”
Dom: “Yeah, they were amazing. Like when I scored my goal I was running straight to them and the feeling was amazing, incredible. Just gutted, couldn’t get the three points from them but like I said, when we get back to Ashton Gate, hopefully we can get three points there.”
Birmingham boss Chris Davies said as per Sky Sports:
“I was furious and in disbelief to be honest to have that goal disallowed from Jhon Solis for some involvement on the goalkeeper.
“I just don’t see it and I don’t think they even appealed for it. I thought that was a poor decision in that context and that would have been very painful to take.
“For the penalty, we forced an error really, a handball in a melee in the box. I think it was a penalty we deserved and we got a goal from it so it was a pretty eventful end.”
Bristol City’s Michael Skubala said as per Sky Sports:
“I’ve seen it back since – the linesman gave it for a handball from Jason Knight, and yet Rob Atkinson headed the ball.
“It was a crazy decision which didn’t need to happen. The referee has two angles – his and the linesman’s – and the decision was not the right one.
“It was a frustrating afternoon for us because I thought we did enough to win.
“The one (Solis) before was offside, so he got that one right. But maybe the occasion and the environment got a little bit to the linesman in the corner.
“Rob Atkinson comes through and heads the ball and we should have come away with three points.
“We created the bigger chances, opened their back line up at times and looked the most threatening team.”
Here’s how fans reacted after Dom Ballard scores a ‘goal of the season contender’ with what fans described as a ‘ridiculous’ backheel into the top corner…
@KBlask31: this gets better with every watch. I mean holy shit
@CFC_Garth: Puskas this early
@CoreySWFC45: Right by that away end too oooooof
@Dr_DeanAllen: This could be the best goal I’ve seen a #BristolCity player score! What a way to start your City career Dom Ballard! 🤩
@c_0L_e: Genuinely can’t even fathom how that’s possible to do with the ball coming across his body at that speed. Jesus
@LFCLaurie: That might honestly be the best goal I’ve ever seen.
@OwenReeman3: What on Earth 😭😭 Never mind goal of the season, may as well give him the Puskas award 👏 🤯
@jbcfc__: Best goal I’ve ever seen. If he was called Domaldinho and played for Barcelona in 2005 (big if) it’d be the most viewed video on youtube.
@Sundogmonkey: This is insane, don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like it. If Messi or Ronaldo did this you’d put it up there on their best ever goals list!
@MPBFirmino9: That is a ridiculous finish from Ballard. The audacity to even attempt it and to pull it off. Goal for the ages.
@nuthatch123: What the fuck is that finish. Unbelievable
