Second phase of Goal Line Technology began in Southampton this week.

The Football Association was heavily involved when the second test phase of Goal-line Technology began this week.

The Hawk-Eye system – one of the two remaining companies after eight entered the original testing stage – was put through its paces at a rain-sodden St. Mary’s Stadium in Southampton.

The ‘live test’ was a warm-up for the Hampshire FA Senior Cup final between Eastleigh and AFC Totton at the same ground on 16 May, when GLT will be running during the game. A second FA-backed test match will be confirmed in the near future.

It is hoped such tests, along with those being conducted for the GoalRef system in Denmark, will lead to the International Football Association Board (IFAB) approving the introduction of GLT at its special meeting in Kiev on 2 July.

On Wednesday, whilst the rain and wind buffeted members of EMPA - the independent test institute – and IFAB delegates on the pitch, 50 journalists got their first close-up look of the tests from the sidelines.

Neale Barry, The Football Association’s Head Of Senior Refereeing Development and part of the IFAB Technical Sub-Committee, was on hand to reiterate The FA’s commitment to seeing the technology introduced as soon as possible, provided the testing proves successful.

He said: “In the last 18 months there has been a total change of attitude and emphasis of the IFAB towards goal-line technology after the Frank Lampard goal at the last World Cup.

"After such a rigorous testing process - which during phase two will also include training tests, laboratory tests and 'live' matches - we are really hopeful that come 2 July, one or both companies will have met the pass criteria.

"We can understand people wondering why if they can put a man on the moon, why can't a technical solution be found for GLT. But phase one of the tests, where six of the eight companies failed, has proven this is not as easy as people think."

With a ball-shooting machine placed 6m from the goal-line, the media observed the 'Impact Wall' test. The size and shape of the wall is similar to that of a goalkeeper (190cm tall), with EMPA seeking to determine the dynamic accuracy of the Hawk-Eye technology.

The wall starts out in front of the goal-line and then is moved backwards in increments, until finally it is behind the goal-line. The ball hits the impact wall at speeds between 50-120 km/h, with High Definition cameras determining whether the ball has crossed the line or not. If the shot is a 'goal', a vibration and visual signal is sent to a watch, worn by the testers, within one second.

Rolf Staempli and Michael Koster are two of EMPA's test team, and revealed that since the beginning of the test process last autumn, they have overseen between 3,000-4,000 test shots, using High Definition cameras at 2000 frames per second.

Hawk-Eye's involvement in sport currently sees their technology utilised in tennis tournaments across the world, and Steve Carter, Managing Director of the Basingstoke-based company explained how they are now seeking to develop a "Rolls-Royce system" for football.

He said: “We have invested a large amount of money since 2007 in developing our GLT system which utilises 14 cameras, seven at each end of the stadium.

"Tennis is different to football, not least due to the trajectory of the ball, but also the motion of players within the goal area. Whilst we have been very successful in tennis, this is an exceptionally rigorous and scientific testing process for our football system. It feels like we're in the semi-final, trying to get through to the final."