FAYE McCoy was overcome with emotion after scoring the goal that clinched the FA Women’s Premier League North title for Blackburn Rovers Ladies yesterday.

The midfielder came off the bench in the 78th minute at Bamber Bridge, and five minutes later had found the back of the net to earn a 3-2 win over Derby County that handed Gemma Donnelly’s side the trophy in style.

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As her teammates celebrated around her at the final whistle, McCoy said: “I can’t put it into words.

“I was desperate to get on that pitch, and I seem to have done that all season in big games.

“I’m so delighted on a personal level and for the girls I’m ecstatic.”

Rovers had only needed to avoid defeat against the Rams to wrap up the silverware, and they were ahead in the fourth minute through Lynda Shepherd.

But Derby levelled before half-time and went in front two minutes after the restart.

Donnelly’s side, though, are unbeaten in the league all season and showed their mettle to make it 2-2 through Saffron Jordan on 61 minutes.

Then came McCoy’s winner and scenes of joy at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium at full-time.

The hero of the hour added: “We thought we’d make it difficult for ourselves!

“In every big game, instead of focusing on the basics we like to mix it up. If it doesn’t work we go back to basics and it pays off.

“But I am absolutely delighted.

“It was a good game for everyone to come down and watch.

“It was hard and a few of us know the Derby players and we know what they bring.

“Every game this season has been different. This one was battle and I’m so glad we’ve come through it.”