Holtham back home again

As dreams go, it takes some beating. A young girl in her home town, lining up in The FA Women's Cup Final against a team on an incredible unbeaten streak.

The ball breaks in the area after a matter of minutes and bang, she scores the opening goal. That was Katie Holtham's moment at the City Ground a year ago.

"I couldn't have written a better script for that game last year," Holtham admitted.

"Taking the lead against Arsenal is always going to be a big moment, but to score in The FA Women's Cup Final, in my home town of Nottingham is that little bit extra special.

"It's something I'll look back on, long after I've stopped playing. Obviously a lot of people have asked if I'll do it again and that would be really incredible.

"A lot of people have said to me 'Knowing what to expect, will that make you more nervous?' and I guess the answer is yes.

"Being involved last year was obviously fantastic, and it being in my home town it was kind of surreal. I didn't know what to expect and I didn't know what crowd would be there, and I think that helped settle any nerves before the game.

"This time I know what's coming and the Leeds girls have all been asking me what it was like and what to expect.

"I've been trying not to think about it too much, but I'm so excited and happy that Leeds are in The Final. It means so much to everyone involved at the club and all the supporters who have followed us.

"Arsenal are a great team and we have nothing but respect for them, so we're just trying to concentrate and focus on what we can do to win it. After being a runner-up last season it's my aim now to win The Cup."