Paterson makes history at Ashton Gate

Sunday, September 17th 2017

Goal-line technology was used for the very first time at Ashton Gate as Martin Atkinson awarded Jamie Paterson’s free kick in the 4-1 win over Derby County.

Time stood still as Paterson’s curling effort clipped the crossbar and bounced down towards the line before being cleared by Curtis Davies.

But Atkinson whistled to signal a goal had been scored, holding his watch in the air to show the technology had played its part, at the same time ending the pulsating Sky Bet Championship encounter as a contest at 3-1.

Cauley Woodrow and Bobby Reid had earlier turned the game on its head to cancel out Matej Vydra’s penalty, while substitute Famara Diedhiou scored a cracker in stoppage time to put the seal on it.

These exclusive pictures show just how far over the line Paterson’s effort was.

GOAL-LINE TECHNOLOGY IN USE

THE GOALSCORER'S VIEW

Speaking on BCTV after the game, the winger said: “I wasn’t sure. At the time, given the game carried on for a couple of seconds, I thought we were just playing on and it hadn’t gone in.

“I saw the referee go to whistle and I thought, perhaps it’s for offside. Everyone ran towards me so I ran off and did my silly little celebration.

“The assistant referee didn’t give it, so if it wasn’t for the goal-line technology, it wouldn’t have been given. I’m glad we’ve got the technology and I think it will stop a lot of trouble after games.”

WHAT HE SAID

“I saw the referee go to whistle and I thought, perhaps it’s for offside. Everyone ran towards me so I ran off and did my silly little celebration."

Goalscorer Jamie Paterson

THE GAFFER'S VERDICT

Head coach Lee Johnson said: “I was watching the guy testing the goal-line technology before the game to see that it was all working.

“The minute the ball hit the ground it looked in, but play continued. I looked straight to the referee and he looked at his watch. It was a nice feeling to know he was going to give it as he blew his whistle.

“It was a great free kick lifted over the top of the wall. It was probably over by a full ball width in the end.”

Match sponsor - ONEPOST