SSFC Women host Bradford City in promotion clash

South Shields Women are in high spirits ahead of their home match against Bradford City Women this Sunday (2pm kick-off).

Shields come into the game off the back of a 7-0 thrashing against Redcar Town Ladies which saw debutant Sophie Curle net a brace, and Annece Legg get her first hat-trick for the team.

The visitors have had an extra week to prepare following their 3-1 win against Spennymoor Town Ladies - and crucially haven’t lost a game since mid-November.

If the reverse tie was anything to go by, supporters should be in for a treat: the Mariners took the lead through Zoe Norton in the 20th minute but the Bantams equalised with moments to spare in the 94th minute to play out a 1-1 draw. 

Both teams have picked up 26 points in the NERWFL Premier Division but Shields have three games in hand over Bradford. 

Matt’s thoughts

Head coach Matt Gatiss says last Sunday’s performance should give the team some real confidence ahead of this weekend’s test.

He said: “It’ll be a different challenge and obviously Bradford away was a real tough game but they’re coming up to us now.

“They’ve got the big journey and we go forward from there and like I say, if we take the style of play from today into it then it’ll be perfect."

Watch the Bradford highlights below to get a taste of what happened on the road in October.

Information for supporters

Kick-off at Harton Welfare (NE34 0NA) is at 2pm this Sunday, February 25th.

Entry is free and we’d love to see all your support! Seven out of the last 10 matches are at home so having a big crowd could go all the way when it comes to the ongoing title fight.