Nottingham Forest’s Helena Constantinou has hailed the team’s character after her dramatic last-minute winner against Fylde.

The midfielder came off the bench to score the deciding goal in the 93rd minute to seal a 2-1 victory on Sunday afternoon.

Reflecting on the game, the 18-year-old said she was overjoyed to play her part and help the side collect all three crucial points.

She said: “I honestly didn’t realise how late on in the game it was but I was delighted to score. 

“Obviously getting the win was the main thing but to get it so late on is always a great feeling.

“I think the performance demonstrated our character which played a big part in securing the win.”

The Reds’ winning goal came after they battled hard in tough weather conditions, including hailstone, to secure their fifth consecutive league win. 

Constantinou said: “We know it wasn’t the best football we’ve played but the team grafted throughout the game and managed the weather conditions well. 

“To be able to get three points just shows how important it is to be patient and stay in the game as it makes the win possible.”

Watch Constantinou’s goal as well as Nottingham Forest’s opening effort below.

Constantinou is currently enjoying only her second season in senior football and during that time she has bagged herself some important goals in the Garibaldi.

Her first senior goal was a thundering 20+ yard effort, she also netted directly from a corner kick against East Midlands rivals Derby County and then scored the only goal in last year’s Nottinghamshire County Cup final as Forest were crowned champions. Alongside Sunday’s dramatic finish Constantinou explains how it feels to be netting them key goals.

She said: “It’s a great feeling knowing I’ve been be able to help the club and hopefully I can keep doing so.

“Not many of the goals I’ve scored have been in normal circumstances which has made them feel special.”

Helena Constantinou in action for Forest. Image credit: Redtree Photography

The Reds haven’t suffered a league defeat since September and Constantinou states that the momentum the team are building will play an important part in the closing months of the season.

“Momentum is massively important; especially in the latter stages of the season,” she said.

“I think as a team we can take a lot of confidence from this, which will hopefully see us push on from here, and continue picking up points.

“Not having played a league game for quite some time, it was important for the team to get a win and pick up where we left off before the break.”

Promotion is in Forest’s sights come the end of the season and having already matched and passed last season’s overall points tally the young midfielder explains the team’s drive will see them end the season in a strong position.

Constantinou said: “I believe it‘s still a strong possibility for the us if we keep our standards high and focus on each game as they come.

“It’s not going to be easy, but we have quality in the team and the drive is there from the squad which puts us in a good position.”

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