Flirting with success

Chapter 6

The day after the game I felt down. The video from the tunnel had blown up. Whilst I came off better in the situation the negative media attention it brought could only be harmful for the progress of women in sport. Sky Sports posted it on their Twitter feed which invited sexist trolls to surface and share their opinion. This sparked uproar in the footballing community overnight. As a result of the attention , Man City scheduled a social media awareness session.

During the session it was announced that the club were planning on starting a campaign called 'Same Club Same Passion'. This would involve the men's first team working alongside our team at various media events. The demonstration of unity aimed to help push sexism out of sport.

The week leading into the Arsenal game became overwhelming for me. Working together with Gilly, despite our recent feud, we became the face of the even bigger campaign. Inevitably various interviews as well as precautionary rehab sessions for my ankle took over my usual preparations for the game so by the time Sunday rolled around I wasn't feeling especially ready.

The game against Arsenal was an earlier kick off at 12:30. Having woken up and followed my pregame rituals I found myself short of time. I was thankful that my involvement in today's game will be limited. Normally I would be eager to be on the pitch and contributing but today just felt different. I found some time to watch a bit of footage but I struggled to concentrate. Whilst I should be focusing on their defence I couldn't help but turn my attention to their attackers. Miedema is a world-class striker but for some reason it wasn't her I was focused on.

Lauren is brilliant at faffing about which meant we were late arriving at the CFA. As we pulled into the car park I caught a glimpse of the Arsenal squad getting off their team bus. I instinctively looked for the player I had focussed on earlier but figured she must have already disappeared into the changing rooms.

The usual team talk took place, Steph offered encouragement whilst Jill Scott offered her experience. I didn't pay a great deal of attention to what was being said as my contribution would not come until later in the game.

Unlike the game at West Ham this one kicked off with a flare. City have been known to not be completely switched on at the back immediately after kick off. Good build up play between Katie McCabe and Jordan Nobbs ended up with Arsenal taking the lead via Vivianne Miedema in the opening 5 minutes. This lit a fire in city's belly which enabled the game to erupt into an end to end thriller. It wasn't long before the recovered Ellen White placed the ball in the back of the net for the equaliser. City however were unable to maintain steady possession which would allow them to dictate the tempo of the game.  They managed to prevent Arsenal from scoring but couldn't create any chances of their own. It was clear to Nick that a change needed to be made so as half time rolled around I was brought on.

I was more engaged in the half time team talk knowing that I'd soon be making my way onto the pitch. Nick asked for an instant impact and despite my reservations that's what I intended to give him.

As the team made their way out onto the field I had to wait on the sidelines for the fourth official. I was joined by an Arsenal sub also about to make an appearance. It was the girl from the video. 

"I ought to be careful around you or I'll find myself all over social media this week" she said finding herself hilarious

Not in the mood I simply responded "do you think I wanted to be in this situation it's not as if I asked for it"

She was visibly taken back by what I had said "i don't know with an attitude like..." she began to respond before I interrupted

"Like what huh" i butted in.

instantly regretting my behaviour i turned away and silently waited for the tannoy to announce the substitutions.

Coming off for Arsenal number 10 Kim Little being replaced by number 14 Jill Roord

Now Sophie has met Jill will the two be able to overcome their differences and form a new kind of relationship??