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Did Birmingham striker Clayton Donaldson's header cross the line against Aston Villa?

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Clayton Donaldson thought he had scored to put Birmingham ahead against Aston Villa, but it was ruled out by the officials. Were they right?

Birmingham thought they had taken the lead in the first half against Aston Villa, only for Clayton Donaldson’s close-range header to somehow strike the bar and not cross the goal line.

Sunday afternoon's Second City derby at St Andrew's - the first league meeting between the two arch rivals for six years - may have ended all square after David Davis' second-half strike had cancelled out Gary Gardner's header just before the half-hour mark.

However, the Blues will feel the result could have been so much different had Donaldson managed to open the scoring after 19 minutes.

Clayton Donaldson's header was deemed not to have crossed the line
Image: Clayton Donaldson's header was deemed not to have crossed the line

The 6ft 1in striker, failed to hit the target after being set up by Ryan Shotton's cross, despite standing virtually on the goal line, the Jamaica international instead heading the ball against the underside of the bar.

And while replays suggested the referee's assistant correctly ruled 'no goal', debate raged on social media.

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Watch the above video to see Birmingham forward Donaldson's near-miss…. did the officials make the right call?

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Highlights of the Sky Bet Championship match between Birmingham and Aston Villa.

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