My first training session couldn't have gone any better. The day went by so fast and all of the girls were so welcoming towards me joining the team, although I obviously stayed close by to Less and Ella for comfort, I had also surprisingly gotten on extremely well with both Katie Zelem and Mary Earps. Who were like complete opposites to one another. During our lunch hour, Mary had roped me into joining in on a Tik tok for it to be published onto the Manchester United account, to give the fans an insight of our personalities. Despite the short time I had spent with Mary today, I quickly learnt she was one of the funniest people I have come across and never let a dull moment subdue. Katie, on the other hand was a lot quieter, however she also made me feel extremely welcome and I could instantly tell she was a genuine, lovely person. I was pleased to finally meet the other girls and felt as though I could be myself around them.
Despite only just joining the team, Marc had told me earlier this afternoon we have a game tomorrow and I will be starting – he was sticking to his promise about giving me plenty of minutes. As I made my way back to the car park with Katie, I spotted Ella and Less stood by the car waiting for me before making our way home. Before Katie left and we were to go our separate ways, I told the girls about the conversation with Marc and informed them I will be in the starting line-up. All 3 girls were excited for me and pulled me into a group hug whilst screaming with excitement.
The following morning, I was woken before my alarm by a child like Tooney who was bouncing on my bed shouting "CHARLOTTE WAKE UP ITS GAME DAY" as I looked up towards her, a smile crept across both of our faces. "GAME DAY TOONEY" I shouted back, pulling myself off the bed. "How are you feeling about making your debut for the mighty reds?" Ella asked as we made our way downstairs. "Yeah, really good to be honest, I'm a bit nervous but I'm more excited than anything" "Don't worry, I'm sure the barmy army will have a chant made up for you in no time" Ella responded as we entered the kitchen. I greeted Less good morning as she was stood at the table, plating up the breakfast she has just cooked. "Morning Charlotte, perfect timing I've just finished making breakfast. Take a seat".
The morning flew by quickly and before I had chance to gather my thoughts, I was exiting the coach at Leah sports village to begin our match preparations. The game tonight was against Chelsea, who I knew were a tough opponent to beat. I was however glad that it was at home, so I could experience the atmosphere of the fans properly for my debut.
As we lined up in the tunnel, a few of the United girls patted me on the back as they made their way to their spot in line. I noticed a few of the Chelsea girls had also taken their positions as we awaited the call from the officials to enter the pitch. As we walked out of the tunnel, the crowd erupted into cheers before beginning their chants – which would resume throughout the entire game.
The first half was steady, possession was pretty even and neither team were able to break through the defences. Shortly before half time, a cross from Fran Kirby saw a header from Sam Kerr erupt the back of the net, as she was able to beat Millie Turner at the front post. Mary had managed to get her finger tips to it, but there was too much power for it to be stopped. We entered the changing room at half time 1-0 down. As Marc began his team speech, I looked around the room and noticed the girls looked a little deflated, which I think Marc also picked up on. "We've got this girls, the game has been even so far so we need to go back out this second half and fight. We need to apply more pressure to their backline and force them to make errors" as the girls nodded in unison, Marc then confirmed Leah Galton will be coming off in the second half, making way for Hayley Ladd, who will be joining Katie in the middle of the pitch and I would be moved out on to the wing to apply more pressure down the channels. Just before we exited the changing rooms, Katie gave a brief motivational speech to get the girls pumped up for the second half, "Okay girls come on we can do this, United on 3......" 1..2..3...UNITED!" We cheered as we made our way back towards the pitch.
As we kicked off the second half, Chelsea seemed to have become more complacent with their 1-0 lead as they sat back, inviting us to apply pressure from the ball. As I was now playing on the left wing, I was up against Lauren James, who I knew was a very talented and skilful player. I had played against Lauren before and knew how quickly she could move the ball with her feet. I knew I had my work cut out for me, if I had to regain possession from her. However, I had my speed as an advantage, knowing I could beat her each time if we were one on one.
As Mary kicked the ball towards the centre of the pitch, the ball was claimed by Katie who took a perfect touch controlling the ball, bringing directly to her feet. She progressed up the pitch before slotting the ball to Tooney, who played a first time through ball towards the left wing which both me and Lauren chased towards. I managed to reach the ball first, taking a small touch knocking the ball slightly in front of me and further away from Lauren. As I lifted my head, I could see Less in the box with Nikita Paris, waiting for a delivery. Just as I crossed the ball, Millie Bright, and Erin Cuthbert intercepted each other's paths causing both players to collide with one another in the box causing them to fall to the ground, leaving Less wide open to receive the cross. A first time volley from Less flew straight into the top right corner, leaving the Chelsea gold keeper stunned. Less ran straight towards me celebrating before jumping up and I caught her in my hands. "What a fucking goal" I screamed as the rest of the girls joined us in the corner celebrating with the fans. We had finally got an equaliser in the 70th minute, which was fully deserved.
It was now the 87th minute and Chelsea was on the attack. A cross from Eriksson was cleanly intercepted by Hayley Ladd who saw the ball away by clearing it halfway up the pitch. At this point I realised all Chelsea players were in our half, leaving one defender, Jess Carter isolated on her own. As I began to chase after the ball, I knew I would get there before it went out for a Chelsea throw, which I was right about. I now had the ball at my feet and began to sprint as fast as I could, just as I am approaching the Chelsea goal, I knew I had to beat Jess who I was now one on one with. As I dropped my shoulder to the right I knocked the ball with the outside of my left boot, forcing Jess to go the wrong way. I now had a clear shot on goal. "Shoooooooooot" the crowd screamed. Without hesitation I hit the ball with the my left foot, causing a slight curve to the shot as it soared past the Chelsea keeper, straight into the bottom left corner. I had done it, I had scored on my debut. Before I had chance to think I was forced to the ground by the United girls who were now piled on top of me cheering my name.
What a feeling this was, I was finally back to playing my best, showing exactly what I'm capable of once fully focused. As the game restarted with Chelsea's kick off, the atmosphere now from the stands were electric as the United fans were chanting louder than ever. As the ref blew the final whistle I stopped in my tracks and looked around the stadium, taking in the emotion I was now feeling. I had scored on my debut and had assisted the first goal for Less, what a dream come true this was. And then that's when I heard it...
Viva Charlotte Jonessss.....Viva Charlotte Jones
Running down the wing, as United sing
Viva Charlotte Jonesssssss
Echoed around the stadium as the United fans sang my name. Right in that moment, Ella had creeped up behind me before jumping on to my back. "I told you it wouldn't take them long to have a chant for you" she whispered in my ear whilst patting the United crest on my chest.
