Jota: "There is no better time for SSFC Women to get after it!"

South Shields Women’s Asia Jota is hopeful the team can get a positive result against undefeated Chester-le-Street Town Ladies this afternoon.

The lasses are in action at Ford Hub for a 2pm kick-off, which will see the Mariners embark on their second game of 2025, following the defeat against Ponteland United Women a fortnight ago.

Last week’s planned game at home to Alnwick Town Ladies was called off due to the freezing temperatures that weekend and needless to say Jota felt “disappointed” about that.

She said: “I was definitely disappointed about last weekend, as it would have been a good matchup, but I'm very much looking forward to the next game!”

Annece Legg’s opener two weeks ago wasn’t enough as Shields fell to an uncharacteristic 4-1 defeat against now top-of-the-table Ponteland.

Nevertheless, there were plenty of lessons and ideas to take which Jota believes might help the team out today. 

“It was a very disappointing result for sure,” she continued. 

“But we took a lot from it and are channeling it towards this weekend. 

“Our coaching staff put a lot of effort into this week of training, so we can get after it.” 

Jota is part of the inaugural South Shields FC Women’s International Academy cohort, which comes with a whole host of benefits, in addition to the usual training sessions supporters get a glimpse into each week. 

She has expanded on how some of those sessions have helped her become a better player. 

“As an International Academy player, we get a lot of benefits to further our game,” Jota added.

“We put in a lot of work in our sessions and we get strength and conditioning training as well. 

“As an academy, we also take part in mental skills sessions. 

“Our international coaching staff put a lot into making us better as players.”

Shields take on Chester-le-Street this afternoon, who are eyeing up the top spot in the NERWFL Premier Division after navigating their eight games so far without defeat. 

In fact, the Cestrians have dropped points just once - on the opening day - making the task of stopping them just that bit harder, but it’s a challenge Jota will no doubt relish.

”It’s for sure going to be not an easy match on Sunday”, she reflected, "but there is no better time to get after it and get some valuable points. 

“We put a lot into training this week, so hopefully we can walk away with a good result.”

Image credit: Craig McNair (@ideventphoto)