May: Focus on the league

Natalie May insists all focus is now on the league after South Shields Women were narrowly knocked out of the FA Cup on Sunday.

The player of the match spoke after the 2-1 defeat, and although she was grateful to be handed the award, there is still a tinge of disappointment that Shields couldn’t extend a cup run many fans might have hoped for.

“A defeat is hard to take,” she said. “And we have had time to think and reflect on Sunday and work on the mistakes.

“There are positives to take away from Sunday’s game which we have spoken about. As a team, we are disappointed to be out of the FA Cup but looking forward, full concentration is now on the league.”

Shields were backed by an impressive crowd of 261 - more than 100 up on the attendance which saw the Mariners put nine past Hartlepool United - and that support, in May’s view, was infectious.

She added: “The support from the crowd was brilliant, and you could hear them all game cheering us on.

“It’s good to see we had a bigger crowd on Sunday, and they definitely played their part. We would like to thank each and every person that came to support us; it is much appreciated.”

May was a bright spark in the team and never stopped working as the lasses continued to push for an equaliser after Eve Gatens brought one back from the spot early in the second half.

“It was a good feeling to get player of the match,” she continued.

“I do think I gave 100% on Sunday and felt positive after the game although it was a defeat.

“I can’t take all of the credit - other players gave it their all and the score didn’t reflect how we performed as a team.

“I’d like to thank Matt (Gatiss) and the coaching staff for helping me with my confidence since taking over as that is showing week on week.”

The Mariners are back in action this Sunday when they travel to Wakefield (2pm kick-off), hoping to shift their focus back on an impressive league start which has seen the team unbeaten in four so far.

More details can be found on the club’s social media channels around matchday.