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Elson: It felt right to celebrate with the fans
Written by Joseph Nelson
Newcastle United Women winger Kacie Elson revealed she doesn't plan her emotion-filled celebrations, after scoring the winner in the 1-0 victory over against Nottingham Forest Women at the City Ground on Sunday.
Elson was first to react to a rebound and slotted the ball into the net at the historic home of Forest before wheeling away in a typically emphatic fashion.
After scoring the goal that extended Newcastle's unbeaten run at the start of 2023/24 to 12 matches, the left-sided player explained what was going through her mind the moment the ball struck the net.
"Relief," she admitted. "Definitely relief, because we'd had plenty of chances in the second half and it was important for us.
"So when it went over the line, I just thought, 'oh my God!' and just wanted to celebrate with the fans.
"I just react. I don't really pre-plan (my celebrations).
"I will always be the same. I just react and in that moment, because of all the fans that had travelled and it was such a tense game, it just felt right to run to the fans and celebrate with them."
Becky Langley's side were roared on by a strong travelling contingent in Nottingham and, after seeing the increased support for the Magpies since the women's side became part of the club, Elson praised those who made the journey to cheer United on.
"It's crazy," she said. "So crazy. The support is just always there no matter what.
"At the game the week before it was in the FA Cup against Mancunian Unity, and it was still the same support there.
"I think it's just exciting for the young girls that are looking up to us because we never had an away day to women's games on a coach with family and friends (when we were younger)."
Looking ahead, Elson believes that the experience of facing Forest's loud home crowd and still grinding out a crucial win will stand Langley's side in good stead.
"Going to any team away is always going to be harder because they've got the home advantage," she said.
"But at the City Ground, for the first time, I think we were playing at a stadium where there were more fans for the other team; I don't think we've ever experienced that.
"But even so, you just focus and concentrate on the game. So really, you're blocking out the fans. It's great to celebrate with the fans once we win, but in the game, I don't think you really notice it.
"It just made it a bit more meaningful that we could still get over the line and secure them three points."
Photograph courtesy of Colin Lock
"We'd had plenty of chances in the second half and it was important for us. So when it went over the line, I just thought, 'oh my God!' and just wanted to celebrate with the fans."