One behind, pull goal back after ball lost (7)
I believe the answer is:
laggard
'ball lost' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.
'one behind pull goal back' is the wordplay.
'one behind' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'pull' becomes 'drag' (synonyms).
'goal' becomes 'gal' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'back' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'drag' next to 'gal' is 'draggal'.
'draggal' written backwards gives 'LAGGARD'.
'after' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for laggard that I've seen before include "See straggler" , "slower than expected" , "who's getting behind?" , "One failing to keep up" , "Lingerer, time-waster" .)