The home side’s first goal in their fightback at St James’ Park came courtesy of Smith’s back, as both teams played out an enthralling 2-2 draw.
Smith told Bristol City Player HD today: “That’s my first-ever own goal and I didn’t even know I had scored.
“Joe (Bryan) and myself did well to get our bodies between (Jonjo) Shelvey and the ball but it’s obviously crept over the line.
“It was only when I got back to the bus and picked up my phone to see a host of messages that I realised that it was my goal.
“My mum and missus both messaged saying ‘are you okay’, thinking I had shanked one into the net. I’ve watched it again and obviously it’s gone in off my back, which was more than a little unfortunate.”
Making his first league start since mid-December, Smith is now determined to help the team out in their final 13 games of the campaign.
“I’ve had to learn how to deal with being out injured,” he admitted. “Through the summer at the start of the season I was very down, but I’ve tried to change that.
“I’ve tried to be positive around the lads and it was great to be back involved on Saturday. St James’ Park and Villa Park – those are two venues you want to be playing in; it’s the reason we’re in this league and want to stay in this league.
“We’ve got 13 games to go and I want to play as many games as I can to help the team get the points on the board needed to stay in the division.
Smith went close to scoring at the right end of the pitch in the draw, adding: “It’s always something I’m looking to get into my game.
“I found myself in a couple of good positions but couldn’t beat the keeper. I did manage to get myself a goal playing for the Under-23s recently!”
