Overview
- The goal came in the 85th minute on Saturday when Rio Cardines swung in a cross and Dom Ballard redirected it with a first-time airborne backheel volley into the top corner.
- Ballard’s strike was his first competitive goal for Bristol City after joining from Leyton Orient earlier in August.
- Birmingham salvaged a point with a stoppage-time penalty converted by Demarai Gray to make the match finish 2-2.
- Video of the finish spread rapidly across social platforms and prompted pundits and fans to label it an early contender for the FIFA Puskás Award.
- The moment has rapidly raised Ballard’s profile after a breakout season at Leyton Orient and could increase scrutiny and opportunities for the 21-year-old, though no formal award nominations have been made.