New captain May says SSFC Women 'stuck together really well'

South Shields Women’s newly-appointed captain Natalie May says the team “stuck together really well” when it mattered most and got rewarded with a “brilliant” win.

May took the armband last Sunday for the 4-1 win against Sunderland West End Ladies, as existing skipper Becki McMahon was shifted off the field for the time being.

Although it’s still “early days” in her view, the long-serving stalwart says she has all the qualities you need to be a leader on the pitch and the result last Sunday certainly proved that.

“It was a big role to fill as Becki has done a fantastic job, the whole team would agree with that,” she reflected.

“Hopefully I can push the girls just as much as Becki did and keep encouraging the team to bring the best out of them and the players individually. 

“I do see myself as a leader as I have the passion and determination to do well. I also feel I am a vocal person and I know the players respect that. 

“I hope my role as captain pushes players on to build confidence across the team. I want to thank the club and the coaches for giving me this opportunity.”

A managerial change during the week saw Alex Miller step up as head coach, and introducing a lot of change might have caused some instability but the Mariners shut down talk of that completely. 

She added: “Sunday was brilliant! We stuck together really well as a team and every player on that pitch gave it their all.

"Everyone knew we needed to bounce back stronger on Sunday and the result showed that against a good side. 

“I want to thank each and every person that came down and supported us on Sunday, you all played a massive part in that win!”

Goalscorer Eve Gatens has also spoken about her partnership with new signing Sophie Curle, which has amounted to eight goals scored between the pair in just three games.

“I think me and Sophie work really well together and we’ve gelled well in such a short space of time,” Gatens reflected after the game.

“She’s been in great form and has been a really good asset to the team. Hopefully there’s many more goals to come from us both.”

A promotion six-pointer this Sunday sees Shields take on Barnsley FC Women at Harton Welfare, for a 2pm kick-off. The lasses are just two points behind the Reds with a game in hand so a positive result could make a big difference in the hunt for promotion.