Legg "staying focused" amidst SSFC Women injury lay-off

It has been a difficult month for South Shields Women’s Annece Legg, who has been nursing an ankle injury which has ruled her out of action lately.

She came off during the first-half against York RI Ladies - a game Shields would win 3-1 - having scored her fourth goal in just three appearances up until that point. 

“I’m absolutely gutted to be out injured as I feel like I’ve had a great start to the season,” she reflected this week. 

“Contributing to the winning results and even getting a few goals is a big thing for me personally and also makes me happy to be able to help the team. 

“But I’m just taking it slow at the moment and staying focused to come back at the right time.”

Nevertheless, she is a constant presence on the training field during the week, and at the ground on matchdays, as a positive influence from the sidelines. 

She continued: “It is frustrating not to play alongside the girls, especially on matchdays, but I’m there every week on the sidelines cheering them on, watching them put in massive amounts of effort, so it’s good to see the girls having the determination to win.  

“Taking every game as they come, the team look forward to every training session and game and continue to be consistent throughout. 

“Hopefully this week we can get the win against a strong Chester-le-Street side.”

Shields head into Sunday’s game undefeated in all competitions, but the same can be said for the visitors, so it is sure to be a difficult, but also exciting, clash between two good sides.

Legg insists the team’s high spirits have played a huge part in getting the right results so far.

“Spirits are really high within the team at the minute,” she said.

“It’s clear to see everyone is delighted with how we are progressing - we are constantly looking forward to the upcoming games every week because we know how well we can perform.”

Regardless of how Sunday goes, it has been a fantastic start to the campaign for the Mariners, with no moment better in her view than the Women’s FA Cup win a fortnight ago. 

She finished: “A standout moment so far for me was the win over FC United of Manchester at 1st Cloud, which has obviously put us through to the first round proper of the FA Cup. 

“Although I missed out due to injury, I am so proud of the girls for giving a fantastic performance and getting us through to the next round.

“It’s so exciting for us all!”

Image credit: Craig McNair (@ideventphoto)