Gatens: SSFC Women "fully deserved" Wallsend BC late winner

Eve Gatens netted her fourth goal of the season for South Shields Women on Sunday, and she did it in quite a significant way!

Her goal broke the deadlock in the 91st minute, which earned Shields a 2-1 win against Wallsend BC Women, after the team pushed for much of the game to find a winner.

“I knew there wasn’t much time left in the game,” she explained, “and I know that when Jaz [Elliott-Wood] gets a free-kick she will try and play a quick one, and I will always look to make that run in behind. 

“It was a great feeling being able to score the winner and feel as though it was fully deserved after the chances we created.”

When asked about whether there was more pressure attached to last-minute opportunities - it was the last chance of the game - she offered an insightful view into what she was thinking at the time. 

She continued: “There’s always added pressure in tight games (like today) to get a goal and also to help secure three points, but in chances like that, I had to just get a good enough connection on the ball and look for the bottom corner and thankfully it went in.” 

Games against Wallsend BC have tended to be entertaining affairs and Sunday was no exception. 

Gatens added: “It was an end-to-end game throughout; it’s never an easy game when you play Wallsend and it’s always a good battle. 

“I feel like we fully deserved the three points and we had plenty of chances to put the game to bed but in some parts it seemed like it wasn’t going to be our day. 

“Everyone played their part and gave 100% and that’s what we aim for every game.”

On another note, she wanted to thank the “great support” whose backing made a tremendous difference, and was arguably a key reason for Shields getting their late goal.

“It’s great to have people coming to watch us every week and spurring us on," Gatens said, "as it really makes a big impact on the team and gives us that extra push during the game especially when the game is so close. 

“Hopefully the great support continues as it’s massively appreciated!” 

Image credit: Craig McNair (@ideventphoto)