This will live with me for a very long time.

That was how winning goalscorer Poppy Wilson described the experience of beating Nottingham Forest 1-0 at Stadium MK yesterday to secure promotion back to the Championship.

The 23-year-old attacking midfielder headed home powerfully from a magnificent Gemma Davison cross in the 18th minute for the only goal on the game, to put a cap on a memorable first season with Watford.

Wilson joined last summer from Bridgwater United, having previously played for Bristol City and London City Lionesses.

She may be slight of frame and not the tallest player on the pitch, but when Davison delivered that peach of a ball from out on the left flank, Wilson met it with a gem of a header.

“It was a special ball from Gemma as always and I just thought if I can step back then I can get a little bit of momentum with my run,” said Wilson.

“I thought I’d try and direct it over the keeper, but if I’m honest I didn’t expect it to go in.

“I’ve always been taught to head the ball straight back where it comes from because you can get a little bit more power on it, and it can put the keeper off.

“It all happened very quickly but I saw the ball hit the net, and I couldn’t believe it. Then I heard the crowd and then everyone was running towards me.

“It’s a very special moment that will live with me for a very long time.”

Wilson paid tribute to the many hours of training and preparation put in by head coach Damon Lathrope and his assistants Laura Dyer and Matt Bevans.

“Today was a result of how hard we’ve worked over the last 10 months. We’ve really clicked in the last three months I would say in particular,” Wilson smiled.

“The way we play is just so nice to be a part of. I think it suits every individual we have in the team and getting the win today is the perfect icing on the cake for a hard-working season.

“The work that Damon, Matt and Laura put in behind the scenes is incredible, and I don’t think anyone in our league or the league above works as hard as they do.

“It’s a credit to them when we go and perform on the day. What we do is all down to them.”

Watford Observer: Celebrations straight after the goal.Celebrations straight after the goal. (Image: Andrew Waller Images)

Watford’s patient passing is contrasting to many of the teams they face – indeed Forest were keen to be more direct in yesterday’s play-off.

But Wilson said the players all buy into the way Lathrope wants to play the game.

“The way we play the game is the identity that the staff have wanted to instil in us,” she said.

“About three months ago we really clicked with the style of play and today, all through the game, we never stopped being us.

“There were moments where we were under the cosh but we dealt with it really well and we stayed true to the way we play.

“To me it never felt like we were going to let it slip once we got ahead. It was an all-together amazing experience.”