Dom Ballard scores backheel volley as Bristol City draw 2-2 at Birmingham

Matchday two clash at St Andrew's

On Saturday, 22 August 2026, Birmingham City hosted Bristol City at St Andrew's stadium for the second round of the English Championship season. The two sides were locked in a 1-1 draw as the contest entered the final ten minutes of regular playing time. Bristol City forward Dom Ballard, who started the match on the bench wearing shirt number 23, entered the pitch as a second-half substitute. In the 84th minute, the 21-year-old striker met an aerial delivery from teammate Rio Cardines inside the penalty area to put the visitors ahead. However, Bristol City could not hold on to all three points, as Birmingham equalised in stoppage time to conclude the second-tier fixture at 2-2.

Execution of the backheel volley

The attacking sequence for Bristol City developed on the left wing, where Rio Cardines drove forward and delivered a cross into the Birmingham penalty box. Dom Ballard had his back positioned toward the goal while tracking the flight of the incoming cross. Seeing that the ball was dropping behind his initial run, Ballard swiveled his frame and struck the ball with the outside of his right heel on the volley before it made contact with the grass. The shot looped directly into the top corner of the net, beating Birmingham goalkeeper James Beadle as he leaped across the goal line. The finish stood as Ballard's first goal for Bristol City.

Ballard reflected on the execution of the strike and the outcome after the final whistle.

It is not bad at all. I had a feeling Rio was going to send another cross in, he had just made one. I believed in it and I tried. What a moment, look at the fans, it was incredible. I am disappointed not to take the three points, but what an incredible moment.

Stoppage-time equaliser from the spot

Bristol City's 2-1 lead lasted until late in added time as Birmingham pushed players forward in search of an equaliser. In the fourth minute of injury time (90+4), the home team was awarded a penalty kick following a foul in the Bristol City penalty area. Birmingham attacker Demarai Gray stepped up to take the spot kick and converted it into the net. The late goal brought the final scoreline to 2-2 just before the referee ended the contest. The outcome meant both clubs shared the points in their second match of the Championship season.

Ballard's background and summer transfer

The 21-year-old English forward joined Bristol City during the summer transfer window after completing a 5.8 million euro transfer from Leyton Orient. Before playing for Leyton Orient, Ballard spent his formative years developing in Southampton's youth academy. During the previous season with Leyton Orient, the forward scored 23 goals across 40 appearances in all competitions. His volley at St Andrew's represented his opening goal for his new team since completing his summer move to Bristol City.