SSFC Women visit York RI looking to get back to form after cup defeat

South Shields Women will want to bounce back from last week’s cup defeat when they travel to York RI Ladies this Sunday (2pm kick-off).

The Mariners were defeated by Liverpool Feds in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup second round proper, which put to an end the team’s historic journey in the tournament.

They made history by making that stage for the first time but the immediate focus is the league, where Shields will come up against a resurgent York RI side. 

Since the 3-1 win against them in September - Annece Legg and Sophie Greener got the goals that day - the hosts have climbed up the NERWFL Premier Division and they currently sit in sixth place with 10 points.

A 2-0 victory against Ponteland United on November 10th tops the charts of late, while wins against Wallsend BC and Harrogate Town are worth a mention, in that timeframe. 

Shields’ last league win came on September 29th, with a stunning stoppage-time winner by Eve Gatens in a 2-1 win against Wallsend BC. 

Alex’s thoughts

Head coach Alex Miller wants her side to try and bridge the gap on the likes of divisional leaders Chester-le-Street Town, who are seven points ahead after just seven games.

She said: “We’re back to just taking it week by week and game by game, making sure that we do our basics right and making sure that we’re getting those all important three points now.

“That’s what our main focus is - just grinding away on that and hopefully, if we do everything right on our part, it’ll put a bit more pressure on those at the top.

“And we can claw our way back in there, and hopefully get ourselves in with a chance of, potentially, promotion or if not, set ourselves fantastically for going ahead.”

Ellie’s thoughts

Ellie White spoke to us this week to help preview Sunday's return to league action.

She said: "York RI have been picking up some good results so we need to make sure we’re switched on and play our game from the first whistle.

"I’m confident that after Sunday the girls will be looking to bounce back.

"Training's been good and we’ve worked on putting things right.

"I know me and all the girls will be looking to bounce back and get a result as we switch our focus back to the league!"

Information for supporters

Kick-off at York RI Sports Ground (YO24 4NX) is at 2pm this Sunday, December 1st.

Coverage throughout the day will be provided on our social media pages - on Twitter/X, and on Instagram, with highlights and post-match reactions to come later that evening. 

We would appreciate any and all support!