Defender Nicola Gibson was satisfied with Watford’s defensive solidity in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers (March 5), and feels the Hornets are deserving of their place in the FAWNL Cup final.

Gibson was a late addition to the starting XI following Kalani Peart’s withdrawal through injury, and seamlessly adapted to the pace against the FA WNL Northern Premier Division side, playing the full 90 minutes of a professional victory.

With silverware a target upon her arrival from Crawley Wasps in the summer, the 29-year-old is excited for the final and prepared for the test that Nottingham Forest will provide on April 23 (3.30pm KO).

“We’re all buzzing,” smiled Gibson. “The aim at the start of the season was to get to the cup final and we’re there, but we’ve got to finish the job when that comes.

“It was halfway through the warm-up that Kalani hurt her knee and it was a quick adjustment in the changing room and then I was in. I’m quite experienced now so once I’m out there I’m feeling good so I’m happy to get back on to the pitch.

“We controlled it well, we knew what they’d be about but it was a mature performance from us and we deserved the win.”

Goalkeeper Jacqui Goldsmid was also delighted to have earned the chance to conclude an impressive cup run with the trophy, and thanked her teammates for helping her to feel settled between the sticks.

“It was a hard-fought win against strong opposition, I’m just happy to be out on the pitch playing football with the girls,” said Goldsmid, 22.

“The girls have been very supportive. Them having my back has been really nice and for all of us to put in a strong performance was really good.

“It’s one of the first times I’ve been able to do it all the way, which is a really nice feeling. I’m just looking forward to getting there with the girls.

“To have fans cheering on the side and coming up with chants is lovely, and it picks us up and helps us get over the finish line.”