It’s the moment all football fans live for – when the ball crosses the line and hits the back of the net. Whether it’s a 30-yard screamer, two-yard tap in or outrageous overhead kick, it doesn’t matter – it’s the outpouring of emotion, the feeling of ecstasy, the togetherness and shared elation.
Of course, some goals do stand out above the rest for their importance, creation or technique.
In our new series My Favourite Goal, presented by Nissan, we asked players of our women’s team to describe their favourite City goal…
Our second player to select their best strike to date is Lauren Hemp...
CITYZENS AT HOME | Fun & educational activities to do at home
The pick
As you could probably guess, it’s my goal in the 2019 FA Women’s Cup Final.
We won 3-0 against hard opposition in West Ham at Wembley Stadium. I’d never been to Wembley before so having the opportunity to get on the pitch and then to score as well was amazing.
Winning the FA Cup was incredible. Scoring topped it off and I actually nearly got a couple more towards the end!
The meaning
Playing at Wembley in front of about 40,000 fans – the biggest crowd I’d played in front of – was amazing.
I hadn’t even been expecting to come on but I was brought on for the last ten minutes and managed to score.
For me, it was a massive occasion and it’s one myself and my family are really proud of.
The introduction
Sitting on the bench, you’re eager to come on and make an impact, showing what you can do.
I was just looking forward to running up and down the sideline! I wanted to get out and warm-up every five minutes and soak up the atmosphere.
I really wanted to prove myself and thankfully, Nick Cushing believed in me and trusted me to come on.
He shouted me over to come on with about ten minutes left. I remember standing on the touchline, waiting to come on. I was very nervous but excited.
We were in front and I thought: ‘I may as well give it everything I’ve got!’
Thankfully, it worked out.
The goal
Jennifer Beattie kicked it in behind the defence and I could see the ‘keeper coming out.
I’m known for my speed – it’s one of my main strengths – and I knew that if I could get on the end of the pass, all I had to do was kick it!
I managed to get onto it and I was just aiming for the goal, although I didn’t expect it to go in from that far out.
I made contact mid-air and at the speed I was running, it made me fall. I think my feet were moving quicker than my mind!
At the time, I thought it was a good shot but it was only when I did a roly-poly and heard the crowd cheer that I knew it had gone in!
It was perfect.
The celebration
The players came rushing over – they were all really happy for me.
I hadn’t had many minutes throughout the season and in a big game like that, you want to show what sort of player you are.
Everyone was really happy for me, which was really nice to see.
It was a bit moment for me – one I’m still buzzing about and will be buzzing about for years to come!
