Footballs fans across the North East were glued to their screens in sitting rooms and at public screenings in the hope of World Cup glory for the Lionesses– but it was not to be.
From Saltburn Stack to Hardwick Festival and in hundreds of pubs followers enjoyed the highs and lows of an intense final with Spain.
When the whistle blew there was collective dismay .. as bereft fans put their heads in their hands and groaned.
But one Darlington fan summed up the mood: “They are willing to bleed for the country. The men don’t show any of that commitment. They should be proud of themselves.”
Darlington pubs across the town opened early to customers who were hoping to share the moment. The Northern Echo joined those in the Darlington Flyer.
Boasting several screens giving customers a view wherever they sat, all agreed they were there for the atmosphere and to share what they wanted to be that special moment.
Speaking during the game, Emma Capon said: “I only got into watching the series when they hit the semi-finals. I’ve only just got into watching football with women.”
Benefit from unrivalled local journalism with a Northern Echo digital subscription for just £1.50 a week. Click here.
“I've always watched men’s football and always watched the world cup, but we’ve never won. If we win this ill be like yess … finally.”
Alex Pattison said: “This has made a big difference to woman’s football. To a lot of woman’s sports really.
“People never used to really watch woman’s football really. But with the Euros and now the finals, people are."
Chris Chapman added: “My girlfriend worked at a school in Middlesbrough as a teaching assistant and she said that the interest and involvement in football had grown so much they had to bring in more football teams for the girls.
“It’s inspiring the nation. The women’s team are so much better to watch. it’s not they are diving and rolling around. They play proper football and they are committed.”
Rebecca Dawson added: “I have followed since their game against Columbia.
“Since winning the Euros they have put football on the map. It’s about time really.
“I am 44 and when I was at school girls' football teams were only starting as was leaving Sixth Form. They need to put more into grassroots football.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel