May left "disappointed" by SSFC Women's Ponteland defeat

Natalie May was left “disappointed” by South Shields Women’s 2-0 defeat to Ponteland United Women on Sunday.

The lasses didn’t get up to speed in a game which was dictated by poor conditions throughout.

Ponteland struck twice and were rewarded with all three points in the end.

“We are all disappointed in the result,” she admitted.

“I think it’s hard to recognise the improvements after a defeat but looking back at the game, you can see the areas we have improved on overall.” 

It was a marked improvement from January’s 4-1 defeat against the same team but the team will no doubt be frustrated that they couldn’t take more advantage of the unique conditions. 

She added: “The conditions were tough and for the past two weeks they have been, however, it was the same for both teams on the day.

“It’s hard to take a defeat when I feel we were on top for most of the game.”

Shields’ form since the start of 2025 has certainly been a mixed bag - a 2-1 win against Chester-le-Street Town Ladies in the NERWFL Premier Division was offset by a 4-0 defeat against the Cestrians in the County Cup, and two losses against Ponteland in the league. 

“It’s the consistency piece that we are missing at the moment,” May suggested. 

“We are improving in a lot of areas but we know there’s still work that needs to be done.

“Consistency is the key area for improvement and that’s down to us as individuals and as a team overall.”

Next up is a trip up north to face Alnwick Town Ladies, who currently sit fourth in the table despite their narrow 1-0 defeat against Chester-le-Street last time out.

“Alnwick are another good side that we are going to face this season and they are up there in the league,” she finished. 

“We have the ability in the team to go out and win it this Sunday - we know we have to go out fighting and show all of the good work we have been working on over the past few months. 

“We will regroup as a team this week and show everyone exactly what we can do.”

Image credit: Craig McNair (@ideventphoto)