South Shields Women’s Ashley Townsend has said Sunday’s Women’s FA Cup first round proper win ranks among the “most fun” football matches she’s ever played in.
The Mariners knocked out Halifax FC Women, who play in the FAWNL Northern Premier Division, to reach the second round proper of the tournament for the first time ever.
A thrilling 3-3 result in normal time forced the game to penalties, which Shields won 4-3.
“I am still buzzing from the game,” she said.
”Perhaps the most fun I've ever had playing a football match.
“The way every single player on our team pulled together to get the win was incredible.
“1st Cloud Arena has become a stadium of dreams and I’m so honoured to be with this club.”
That in itself was a big challenge but the team dug deep, in her words, to record a historic win.
Townsend continued: “It’s a big psychological disadvantage to play a strong team two tiers higher [than us].
“We decided, as silly as it sounds, to be ‘mentality monsters’ before the match started.
“We had to believe in ourselves and each other and dig deep until the very end!
“Halifax put up a great fight and it truly took each one of us to make this historic moment.”
A fantastic home crowd made all the difference and she wanted to thank the supporters for their continued backing, not only on Sunday, but throughout the season so far as well.
She said: “It’s been such an honour to be able to feel the support from the team, the club, and our fans!
“Especially the other international players - those guys and girls are becoming like my brothers and sisters and it is truly such a joy to share victories with them.
“It makes me smile when I hear them chanting during the game and I believe they are our 12th man on the pitch that helps us to push forward - they bring an electric energy that is unmatched!”
Being one of the club’s South Shields FC International Academy players, she moved from Ohio to the North East in September, and it’s fair to say she has made an incredible impact.
“There have been great moments to celebrate for sure,” she reflected, but “I would be lying though if I said this journey has been perfect.
“It’s come with its challenges. But I think the victories I’ve had are a testament to God’s faithfulness - where He’s brought me, to see His plan unfolding is so cool.
“Then to go along with that, all the support from my coaches and my teammates.
“I’m honestly just super thankful for where I’m at and where this journey is heading.
“It’s only the beginning!”
Image credit: Craig McNair (@ideventphoto)
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