Connections

30

*

Match day: FA Cup Final

Angharad's P.O.V.

"It's lovely to finally meet you" I say, "I've waited so long" I add and the girl smiles, her eyes a little out of focus; clearly a little star struck. "I believe your a big fan of mine" Amy says, looking at her, "she is, aren't you Lills" mum says, encouraging my little sister to open her mouth but she can only nod in reply.

To try and make her feel a little less nervous, I suggest mum takes a picture of us, as we're on Wembley Way and the stadium is behind us.

Me and Amy stand either stand of Lily as mum takes the photo, dad watching on and then we make our way up, picking up a programme on the way and heading to the area where family go.

Both players from City and West Ham's family and friends are mingling around in the lounge, talking, drinking and picking at the food.

"Let's get something to eat" I say to Lily and she nods, leading the way over to the table, mum, dad and Amy heading to talk with some of the parents. "So, does Charlotte know your back?" I ask and Lily shakes her head, "no, it's a surprise" she replies; smiling.

I smile back and try something that might get her to relax a little, like talking about Lottie.

"How's your football, or should I say soccer going?" I ask, picking up my plate and walking outside to the terrace, overlooking the preparations on pitch.

"It's great. Good to have Lotte and Alessia there with me" Lily replies, "we're playing with some really great players, for example Sydney Schneider, the Jamaican GK" she adds. "Seems like your really finding your feet now" I say and Lily nods, "so, predictions for the game?" I ask and she looks out over the stands; thinking.

"I'm going City to win" she replies, looking back at me and smiling, "but not without a fight from West Ham. They've got some good players too, Leanne Kiernan for example is really fast and good on the counter attack. Of course there's Jane Ross as well, former Blue" Lily adds.

"Agreed. I think City might win too but not without West Ham getting a goal".

*

Charlotte's P.O.V.

When we go into the dressing room at half time, the mood is a difficult one to decipher.

Steph and the likes of KB and Jill, clearly have mixed feelings about the performance, Georgia and Nikita clearly want better service while Keira and Caroline are a bit disheartened maybe.

Everyone finally makes it inside, with Chris the last one through the door and Nick can start talking.

"One thing I will say is this. We've had a little bit of the occasion in our play for the first half" he says, "now your all used to it, now your all settled, you can get get rid of the occasion, you can get rid of the emotion, get rid of the real desire to win and just play the football game now yeh?" he explains.

The team nods as Nick continues to explain what he wants to come from the second half, the girls taking on fluids etc so as to stay healthy.

"Second half substitutes if the game stays like this, Lauren I will still bring you on, like we discussed and Claire, I'm going to bring you on in the last ten minutes; probably for Weir" Nick says and the girls in question acknowledge him; Lauren looking a little nervous.

And as quickly as that, the buzzer sounds for the teams to start heading back onto the pitch ahead of the upcoming forty five.