SSFC Women set for County Cup test

South Shields Women are back in action at Washington Hub on Sunday as they look to go one step further in the Durham FA Women’s Cup (2pm kick-off).

It was yet another five-star showing for the lasses last week as five different scorers contributed to a 5-0 demolition against Harrogate Town: Ellie White, Erin Taylor, Jade Dryden, Jaz Elliott-Wood and Ebony Longstaff all netted.

Gateshead Leam Rangers are the visitors this weekend, who meet Shields having defeated Hebburn Town 5-0 in the first round last month.

Leam Rangers surrendered a 2-0 lead most recently as they fell short against Boldon. Their 3-2 defeat put them eighth in the Durham FA Women’s League One, which sits two divisions below the NERWFL Premier Division.

Matt’s thoughts

Head coach Matt Gatiss has stressed the importance of bringing home some silverware this season, whether that comes in the form of the league, the County Cup - or ideally, both.

“That’s the plan," he reflected. “We said at the start when me and Michael (Gowans, general manager) sat down, a cup was the goal, at least one.

“We’re disappointed with the League Cup as it probably came too early for us, so the County Cup is the cup competition that we’re going for now.”

He also took the time to consider Leam Rangers’ approach, having played against them a handful of times while at Consett and Spennymoor Town.

“We’ve got to see how the draws go, and take it game by game as well because Gateshead Leam Rangers are a good team," Gatiss added.

“They’re a together team, a really close-knit bunch who fight for each other and fight on the pitch to get that win and we’ve got to be up for that.”

Information for supporters

Kick-off at Washington Hub (NE37 3HR) is at 2pm this Sunday.

Entry is free and everybody is more than cheer on the team as they look to navigate this County Cup tie.

Please note you will need a QR code to access the Hub, which you can do by registering for a Leisure United account here: https://leisureunited.com/