Match Preview: Hull United vs South Shields

SSFC Women travel to Yorkshire this Sunday as they take on Hull United Women at Haworth Park to begin the 2023-24 NERWFL Premier Division campaign (2pm kick-off).

It’s a fresh start for the Mariners as they look towards securing a top-two finish in the league, in what will be the club’s fourth season in the fifth tier.

While last season was overshadowed by off-field departures, the arrival of head coach Matt Gatiss in the summer should bring some much-needed stability as the team can work towards its future goals.

Shields fell to a 3-0 defeat a fortnight ago at the hands of fellow fifth-tier opponents Spennymoor Town thanks to an Autumn Colledge hat-trick.

But they will be hoping for better fortunes as the team make the trip to Hull.

Matt’s thoughts

Gatiss said: “It was a good pre-season and the girls worked really hard.

“It’s a chance to overcome the disappointment of the Spennymoor game, which was a one-off League Cup tie, but the focus is the league this week.

“We’ve got to take it one game at a time.

“We have a long away day against Hull United, but we’re looking to get something out of the game.

“It’s a great opportunity for the girls to demonstrate and implement the gameplans that we have been implementing, and the style of play that we're really trying to push hard to develop.

“The biggest challenge is to bring that through to the game so we’re looking forward to the challenge.

“It’s just the first step of what will be a long season.”

Information for supporters

Kick-off at Haworth Park (HU6 7AB) is at 2pm on Sunday.

Tickets will cost as much as you want to pay on the day so there isn't a fixed ticket price on offer.

Cash and card are accepted while entry is only permitted through the turnstile.