Why Brighton's first Women's FA Cup final felt like it was coming

Breaking news from the world of sport: Why Brighton's first Women's FA Cup final felt like it was comingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Brighton beat Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Arsenal before the semi-final win against LiverpoolByEmily SalleyBBC Sport journalistPublished6 minutes agoOne victory. That's what stands between Brighton and a first major trophy for the club. The men's team have won lower-league titles, are an established Premier League side and famously reached the 1983 FA Cup final while the Seagulls are often in the middle of the Women's Super League table.

But the club's trophy cabinet is yet to feature a major trophy. That could change, however, after Brighton completed a stunning 3-2 comeback against Liverpool to reach their first Women's FA Cup final. With the game heading for extra time, substitute Nadine Noordam produced a composed finish in the 95th minute.

Match Details

"I still can't believe it. It feels like a dream," Noordam told Radio 5 Live. If I say it out loud, it sounds a bit crazy.

"Noordam's late winner secured Brighton's place in the Wembley showpiece on 31 May, where they will face either Chelsea or Manchester City. It is another significant milestone for a club that seems to be flourishing on all fronts this season. Brighton reach Women's FA Cup final as Liverpool falter 'The goal was bound to come' - Brighton keep believingOn a six-game unbeaten run and nine points further up the table than their opponents, Brighton arrived at Liverpool's St Helens stadium as favourites - but their Wembley dream was in serious jeopardy when they fell 2-0 down after 22 minutes.

Manuela Vanegas gave Brighton hope when she halved the deficit with a determined finish 105 seconds after Beata Olsson had scored the Reds' second. The Seagulls looked revitalised after the break and they were rewarded when Madison Haley nodded in the leveller. "They found it difficult in the first half but they stuck to the task with intensity and energy," former England defender Anita Asante said on TNT Sports.

Reactions and Expectations

Manager Dario Vidosic said he "felt like it was coming" when Brighton were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the hosts' box in the final seconds. "I didn't even think about extra time, even though it was so close to it. It just felt like the momentum, how dominant we were, that the goal was bound to come," he told Radio 5 Live.

Noordam, who had never previously scored for Brighton, had only been on the pitch for a matter of minutes when the set-piece clearance rolled to her and she calmly slotted the ball into the top-left corner. "What a moment from Nadine Noordam," said ex-England midfielder Fara Williams on TNT Sports. "Brighton had a really slow start but they managed to claw their way back.

It's a credit to them. They really believe in what they're doing. "That's what this competition is all about.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.