Alnwick Town Ladies, they're certainly having a love affair with manager Peter Hately, are heading into what is one of potentially biggest games in their short history this Sunday (1 May 2022) afternoon, when they face Newcastle United Women, at St James Park, Newcastle.
It'll be the culmination, for Alnwick that is, of what has been a difficult, yet enjoyable experience in the FA Women's National League Division One North, one which has long since seen them relegated, but created many memories along the way.
"Five years ago, we were playing six-a-side, on a Friday night," began Peter.
"We've come a long way since then and, just this past season alone, the players at the club have improved as the season has gone on, something which they can take into next season as well.
"And, although we've been relegated, we can take a lot of positives from our journey
"I'll be really proud of these girls when they walk out onto the St. James Park pitch on Sunday," began Peter Hately.
"We know that we can compete at this level, and with those higher up as well, it just takes time.
"On Sunday though, it will be all about us working hard, dealing with the crowd, and, just enjoying ourselves; we're strong enough to do that."
Having worked their way through the County League's, Alnwick one-season tenure (for now) in the National League, began with a bang, a 3-3 draw at home to Chester-le-Street Ladies.
It was to be one of only two points, so far, they've collected all season, the other, also a 3-3 draw, away to Chorley Women, although they've had a little success in cup matches, including defeating Leeds United in the National League Plate.
Alnwick's journey would end after putting up strong resistance to Nottingham Forest Women, the visitors eventually progressing 1-0 before going on to win the competition.
For Peter though, he's delighted that Newcastle United are pushing forward with the women's game in the region, but he's also proud of the accomplishments of his own charges, and that it's the Lady Magpies who have more to lose in Sunday's game.
"It's great that Newcastle are pushing on, but we're amateur to the core, and we know that, along with them, the north-east women's game needs to push on as well," explained Peter.
"It's not been a great year for women's football in the region either, and a tough season for us.
"But I'm really proud of the players and, although relegated, we can take a lot of positives from this season, and the miracle has been that Alnwick Ladies have spent a season in the same league as them.
"There's a lot of pressure on them, and they need to win this, for a number of different reasons.
"The National League though, it's the place to be, and it has been a really good experience for us."
Now, they're looking for perhaps one more miracle, to finish the season with a win (although a point could well be deemed that), it'll be Alnwick's first of the campaign, but, whatever happens, they can, and should, be proud.
Alnwick Town Ladies travel to St. James Park, Newcastle, for an FA Women's National League match on Sunday, 1 May, KO at 2pm – entry is £3 Adults, and free for Juniors, with cash turnstiles in operation.
Also note, the NUFC Fans Foodbank will also be in attendance, at their usual, Strawberry Place, from 12 noon on the Sunday lunchtime.
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