Poppy Wilson felt Watford got what they deserved in their 2-0 win over Gillingham in Chatham, making a vital half-hour cameo off the bench to ensure victory for the Golden Girls.

Winning a penalty, having her spot-kick saved and followed up by Bianca Baptiste before scoring a goal of her own in added time, Wilson was key to the Hornets’ dominance in the second 45 and provided a spark in midfield against a stubborn Gills outfit.

Wilson felt her teammates’ frustration from the bench in a positive first half that ended goalless, and was satisfied with the game’s conclusion.

“We showed our quality and moved the ball really well,” reflected the 23-year-old. “It was just about getting the ball in the back of the net and it was frustrating but we stayed patient, and it showed right up until the last two minutes at the end.

“We kept playing our football and it finally came to something. I think we walk away feeling pleased with the performance.”

Brought on alongside Adekite Fatuga-Dada with Watford looking to break the deadlock and maintain a high intensity in attack, Wilson explained that Head Coach Damon Lathrope asked for the duo to “change the game”.

“I think we know as players where we need to come on and impact the game, but he just told us to bring energy, be direct at players and change the game,” Wilson continued. “All of the subs did that, but the overall team performance shows how together we are as a team. I’m just pleased that we got the goal, and then the second.”

Baptiste reacted quickly to convert Wilson’s rebounded penalty after Cara Davies made a save to her left. Relieved to have the former Crystal Palace forward slot home before popping up with a game-sealer in the 96th minute, it was no less than the Golden Girls deserved in the eyes of the midfielder.

“Good job Bianca was there!” laughed Wilson. “It’s a good save, I’m just pleased it went in regardless of who put it in the back of the net. That was a moment where it changed for us, we were being more direct. It was only a matter of time before the next goal went in.

“It was just nice to take that pressure off at the end because when it’s 1-0 it can still go either way and they’re still fighting. Whereas, if you put that second one in, then you have more of a cushion. It’s a shame we couldn’t get it earlier, but it was nice to finish the game on that high.”