Gowans: SSFC Women need to "dust ourselves down" after defeat

Player of the match Scarlett Gowans says South Shields Women need to “dust ourselves down” after Sunday’s heartbreaking 1-0 defeat.

The Mariners fell to a 90th-minute winner from Chester-le-Street Town Ladies’ Jenny Ashton, which condemned the team to their first defeat in all competitions this season. 

“To lose to the last kick of the game is probably the hardest way to finish a game,” she reflected. 

“From my view it was just overall unlucky; the defence were solid all game, and for us to come away without any points feels unjust.”

Imagining what the dressing room must have been like afterwards shouldn’t be too difficult, but there were still positives to take from the experience, despite feeling “downhearted.”  

“Of course the girls were downhearted after the final whistle,” she said, “especially for our first loss of the season to come about how it did. 

“We know what they’re about now, and we are still yet to play them again at their place. 

“We dust ourselves down and go again in the FA Cup!”

Gowans impressed once again as she picked up her third player of the match award this season, pulling off double saves and commanding the backline excellently up until the end. 

She added: “As a goalkeeper, it’s rare to get a player of the match, with that being said I’m very grateful to have received three of these in recent weeks! 

“It goes without saying that the other 10 players in front of me have played a huge part in how well we have prevented goals, so I owe a lot to them. 

“I aim to further improve my performances, and maintain this level of confidence!”

Next up for Shields is a very exciting, and big, clash against third-tier Halifax FC Women, in the First Round Proper of the Women’s FA Cup.

The Mariners have only reached this stage once before, in the 2021/22 season. 

They lost out 4-1 back then against a strong Norton Ladies outfit, but anything can happen.

Gowans finished: “The next game is a really exciting one, home turf in the First Round Proper of the FA Cup, going in as the underdog; who knows what could happen? 

“That’s what the FA Cup is all about!”

Kick-off at 1st Cloud Arena this Sunday, November 3rd is at 2pm.

Adults with a men’s season ticket, as well as hospitality box holders, can enter for free, if proof on the day is provided.

Otherwise, admission is £3 for adults, and free for U12s. Gates open at 1pm. 

Image credit: Craig McNair (@ideventphoto)