Pubs and bars in Swindon were packed out as England triumphed over the Netherlands to reach the Euro 2024 final.
The nerves rose as chances were thwarted by the Dutch defence, goalkeeper or goalposts.
But that tension erupted into joy with substitute Ollie Watkins’ 90th-minute goal as cheers and pints of beer went up around the town.
With sticky floors and ceilings, pubs including the Steam Railway Co in Old Town and The Castle in Prospect Place saw record numbers turn out, and more are set to to return for the final against Spain.
Everyone at The Castle had managed to lay their hands on an England shirt for the occasion and the die-hard supporters were packed around a screen in a small back room.
Hopes were high, as were stakes with one viewer hoping his thousand-pound bet would pay off.
Optimism lasted a full seven minutes before Xavi Simons’ strike for the Netherlands put England behind, only for Harry Kane to win and then score a controversial penalty to equalise.
One person could barely look as Kane approached the spot to bring the squad he captains level and turned away from the screen.
It would have been a tense moment at The Brewers Arms, where owner Paul Studholme has created his own fan zone.
He remembered: “Last time, when we faced Italy on penalties, I had my finger hovering over a button to set off disco lights and party mode - but it wasn't to be, so close and yet so far."
Ecstatic fans again slumped back onto bar stools and put their shirts back on following the narrow offside ruling of Bukayo Saka’s goal, adding to earlier frustration as Phil Foden went close three times in the first half.
Meanwhile, at the Steam Railway possibly the largest crowd in any Swindon pub had amassed, with a capacity of 500 viewers in its beer garden.
(Image: ghllphotos)
Queues have been spotted out the door. Bar manager, Elly Griffiths, explained: “It's electric. You've got your oohs, your ahhs, your cheers - it doesn’t ever go flat.”
And just as people were settling in for an extra half hour, Watkins surprised everyone with his last-minute goal - and Paul could finally push his party mode button.
Fans at The Castle shared Watkins’ expression - disbelief mixed with pure joy.
“Southgate you’re the one, football’s coming home” sounded the streets - the singing never stopped until the whistle blew and everyone could finally relax with another celebratory drink.
Fans were quick to book a spot for the next game as England take on Spain for the trophy at 8pm on Sunday night.
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