Jess Spark has said that South Shields Women have “shown what we really are about” following their win against promotion hopefuls Chester-le-Street Town Ladies.
Annece Legg and Catalina Abusada scored the goals as the Mariners became the first team to defeat the Cestrians in the league this season, with an impressive 2-1 win away from home.
The new arrival couldn’t have been more delighted by the win and she spoke to us afterwards to give her take on how things panned out.
“It was a great day and the team are very proud to have taken all three points,” she reflected.
“It definitely says a lot about our abilities as a team and how well we work together.
“There were definitely a few occasions where it became difficult for us, but we had that drive that allowed us to just ride the wave and win us the game.”
That win has undoubtedly given the team some much needed confidence after a difficult run of form.
Although 2025 started on a low point with the 4-1 defeat against Ponteland United Women, the message afterwards was that there were lessons to be taken moving forward.
It’s fair to say a lot has been learned, which thankfully, has resulted in a stronger performance this time round.
She continued: “It is a huge improvement from the game against Ponteland and that was the exact reaction we had to give to really come together and make a statement to the rest of the league.
“Chester are a very good side and they were unbeaten for that reason, so it is such a proud moment that was achieved from the feeling we had after the game two weeks ago.
“I feel as though we have now shown what we really are about.”
Spark has only had a few weeks to settle in since joining from Newcastle United Women’s development team, made more difficult by the fact the season has been very stop-start.
The disruption caused by the Christmas break, as well as the fixture postponements in recent weeks, might have presented a problem but Spark says she has embedded herself into the team nicely.
“I’m really starting to settle in now,” she said.
“Everyone has been so welcoming and supportive of me coming in and I couldn't ask anything more of them.
“Ellie [White] and Jaz [Elliott-Wood] have been great but so have the rest of the squad.”
The lasses aren’t in action this week, but that gives Spark and the rest of the team the perfect opportunity to keep working hard but also take the time to have some fun together.
She finished: “I think Sunday's win will definitely build that momentum for the next few games and even though there’s no game this week, we’re still making the most of our time at training and using the opportunity for some team bonding.”
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