Flashback | Long range goals

From wonder strikes to thundering free-kicks, we take a look at just a few of the noteworthy long range City goals from the Club's recent history...

FLASHBACK | LONG RANGE GOALS

Hudson scores from his own half (vs. Derby County, April 17th, 2012)

City skipper Mark Hudson's fifth goal of the 2011/12 season came from the unlikeliest of places in April 2012 - well in his own half.

Leading 1-0 at the break thanks to Joe Mason's strike in the 24th minute against the Rams, Hudson doubled the lead in the 63rd minute with the wonder strike.

Receiving the ball from a wayward clearance by goalkeeper Frank Fielding, Hudson returned the ball towards goal with a well-measured shot. The ball caught Fielding well off his line, and soared above the retreating 'keeper to settle in the back of the net.

Gunnarsson grabs the winner (vs. Nottingham Forest, April 17th, 2017)

Five years to the day after Mark Hudson's strike secured the win for the Bluebirds, Aron Gunnarsson's goal broke the deadlock in a hard-fought match against Forest at CCS.

Goalless throughout the first half, the Bluebirds were pressing for an opener as they were cheered on by the home support provided by the Bluebirds faithful. 

To the delight of the City supporters, Gunnarsson found the back of the net from distance in the 70th minute in sensational fashion.

Kadeem Harris' dash down the left flank was followed by a pass that found the feet of the midfielder, well outside the area. Approaching the ball at speed, Gunnarsson struck on his first touch, with the ball flying into the right side of the net.

Whitts nets a classic (vs. Barnsley, March 13th, 2011)

Though a list of long-range goals scored by Peter Whittingham could fill a list of its own, this wonder goal from the former City midfielder is certainly one of the best.

Hosting the Tykes in March 2011 at CCS, the Bluebirds went ahead in the 21st minute thanks to Whitts' long ranged effort.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas' aerial pass in the centre of the park flew towards the midfielder, whose left foot first took a quick touch before unleashing a magnificent volley towards goal, beating 'keeper Luke Steele as the ball flew in at the top left corner.

Koumas' lightning bolt at Kenilworth Road (vs. Luton Town, February 14th, 2006)

Jason Koumas helped the Bluebirds to come from two goals down to draw against the Hatters on Valentine's Day in 2006, bagging a brace away from home.

Putting in an inspiring performance, the loanee's first goal of the night came on the break, as the forward jumped onto a loose ball at the edge of his own half. 

Bursting down the middle of the park towards the hosts' area, Koumas released his shot from 25 yards out. The ball ripped through the air at such a speed that 'keeper Marlon Beresford was unable to reach the effort in time, giving the Wales international his 12th goal of the season for the Bluebirds.

Matthews' 50 yard free kick stuns Hornets (vs. Watford, October 3rd, 2009)

Adam Matthews scored the first competitive goal of his career with this remarkable free-kick from 50 yards out.

Scoring the second of four goals that were converted on that October afternoon at Vicarage Road, Matthews' free-kick looked set to reach the box for an aerial duel between the City and Watford players. 

However, the ball instead continued to fly high, and arched over the mass of waiting players, including the goalkeeper. Leaving the home crowds speechless, the Bluebirds celebrated as they went on to earn all three points away from home.