That final whistle was more than just the end of the match. It was a ...

By Fiona Worts

That game really encapsulated everything football is about for me. When I look back on it, the emotions I feel are a mixture of pride, joy, and sheer excitement.

Firstly, to win the game in the way we did, especially against our biggest rivals, was a moment that felt surreal. There’s something about those kinds of matches — the tension, the build-up, the fierce competition. To come out on top after everything that had been thrown at us was exhilarating. The energy from the players, the fans, it was electric. But beyond the win itself, it was the meaning behind the match that made it so much more significant.

The game was part of the inaugural Pride Round, and knowing the positive message it carried, not just for us as players but for the entire community, was deeply moving. It wasn’t just about football; it was about showing that our sport is a place where everyone is welcome, where people from all walks of life can come together and celebrate the beautiful game. It made the victory feel even more meaningful, knowing we were playing for something bigger than just the three points — we were playing for inclusivity, acceptance, and equality.

What made that night even more special was that it was the game that solidified our place in the finals for the very first time. For the players, the staff, and especially the people who had been with the Club for so long, that final whistle was more than just the end of the match. It was a culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and belief. To finally reach the finals, to break that barrier for the first time in the Club’s history, was euphoric. The joy and pride we felt in that moment were indescribable — it felt like everything had come full circle, and the hard work had paid off.

For me personally, to have played such an important role in that game was incredibly special. Knowing that I contributed to something that meant so much to the Club and the community was an honour. It’s one of those games I’ll always look back on with such fondness. It wasn’t just about the result — it was about everything that came together in that moment: the rivalry, the message, the history-making achievement, and the feeling of being part of something bigger than myself.

That night is one I’ll never forget, and it will always hold a special place in my heart.