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'My mam is my reason why,' says brave Beth
Written by Dan King
"Winning the league would mean absolutely everything to me," says Beth Guy, one of Newcastle United Women's longest-serving players at the age of 22. "I'm not getting ahead of myself, we are all taking one game at a time. But I know I'll be an emotional wreck on the day if it happens. I'm not an emotional person - or I don't show emotions very well - but I don't think I'd be able to contain my emotions, because of how much it means."
In the early hours of 12th February, the midfielder's mother, Michelle, who had courageously battled breast cancer and then a brain tumour over the last three years, passed away. That afternoon, incredibly, Beth came off the bench to inspire Newcastle's women to come from behind to beat York City Women 4-2 in front of 4,129 supporters at Kingston Park.
She's since started in successive 2-0 home victories against Middlesbrough Women and Leeds United Women and told UNITED - the Magpies' official matchday programme - how the support of her team-mates and family have helped her through the hardest days of her life.
"Everyone has been amazing," she said. "I'm lucky enough to play alongside some of the girls who I've known since being 16.
"Continuing to play has been a no-brainer for me. It's motivated me more. My mam is my reason why, why I want to win so badly. My dad has also been a massive part of that, reminding me to keep making her proud.
"My mam knew football was a big coping mechanism for me when she was going through what she had to, but my mam passing has encouraged me even more and made me want to win even more."
Two late goals from Kacie Elson gave United the three points against Leeds eight days ago, and Guy admitted: "We didn’t start bright but towards the end of the first half we were on the front foot. We were confident (that) if we stuck to what we were good at, we would get the win.
"It's a relief as soon as that final whistle goes - another three points on the board and a clean sheet."
The result means that Newcastle's FA Women's National League Division One North title hopes remain in their own hands with seven games left to play - starting with Tuesday night's top-of-the-table clash with current leaders Durham Cestria (kick-off 7.45pm GMT).
"We will approach the game just like we have every other game - we are confident in the ability we have as a squad," insisted Guy, but she is appealing for a big home crowd at Kingston Park in what could be a pivotal game for the league's only promotion place.
Tickets are £3 for adults and £1 for under-16s and on sale in advance here, and Guy added: "They are our 12th player. The fans are fantastic - they help us and spur us on."
Photograph courtesy of Colin Lock/@Tyneside_NUWFC
"My mam knew football was a big coping mechanism for me when she was going through what she had to, but my mam passing has encouraged me even more and made me want to win even more."