Season to remember as SSFC Ladies climb to fifth

South Shields had a season to remember as they finished the NERWFL Premier Division in fifth place, ending the campaign in great form.

The Mariners completed the season with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Wallsend Boys Club, after previously dispatching Sheffield Wednesday Ladies 11-0.

Looking back on a successful season, head coach Ben Garrity said: “Overall I think this season was very positive.

"To see where we progressed from losing our first three games was massively positive.

“It showed the character of the squad massively. They dug in, listened, worked hard and results started coming their way.

"We had our longest run in the FA Cup and also finished in the top half of the table, so it has been massively positive.

"The only team we didn't took points from was York, who finished top and only lost one game, so I think that is very respectable."

Garrity took the step-up to the managerial position while the season was underway, and enjoyed a great start at the helm.

He continued: “From a personal level, it has also been amazing.

"South Shields was my first job in women’s football as assistant manager. When Scott Curtis stepped down, that then turned into my first manager's job in women’s football, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

"I’ve loved every minute of it and the girls were amazing throughout the season.

“I’m really looking forward to next season, as are all the girls.

"There are lots of exciting things happening at South Shields off the pitch which will all be amazing to be part of.

"The club is really pushing the women's side and giving us a lot of backing going into the new season, which we are very grateful for."

After ending the season in fantastic form, the Mariners have high expectations for the forthcoming campaign, and believe that they can go one step further. Garrity added: “Our aims and expectations are very high for next season. "We want to be up there challenging for the league and cup competitions. "This group showed this season that they are capable of anything. "The work has already started for next year and I genuinely cannot wait for the season ahead. It should be a very good one.”