Gatens brace not enough for SSFC Women against Chester-le-Street Town

Eve Gatens' brace was not enough in South Shields Women’s first pre-season friendly against Chester-le-Street Town Ladies.

Her goals in the 42nd and 46th minute couldn't secure the win as Chester-le-Street Town rallied back, scoring three goals in response during the second-half. 

The lasses came into Sunday’s fixture hoping to start their pre-season in fine fashion.

The Mariners have four pre-season friendlies before their campaign begins on Sunday, August 31st and a win, then, would boost the lasses’ confidence going forward.

Shields’ opening 15 or so minutes were very compelling, with the lasses slinging possession around extremely well, however no real threat on the Chester-le-Street Town goal was created. 

Eight minutes later, Anna Yeakey pulled off a tremendous save - she, at full stretch and with her finger-tip, stopped a dangerous looking shot from distance, after some great play in the middle of the park from the home team. 

The next chance of the first-half came Shields' way and their dominance had paid off: Gatens, of course, was the one to bag the opener.

She intercepted a long ball and, from the knock-on, persisted to charge toward the box, before drilling a right-footed shot into the back of the net. 

One minute after the break, the Mariners doubled their lead and there was no doubt who the goalscorer was. 

Jen Wootten played a perfect around-the-corner ball into Gatens, who coolly tucked the ball into the bottom left corner. 

Chester-le-Street Town, soon after, started to grow into the game, hitting the woodwork in the 53rd minute and then pulling one back in the 66th minute through Jenny Ashton. 

With just 10 minutes left on the clock, Georgia Gibson grabbed the equaliser for the Cestrians, sliding the ball into the net. 

Four minutes later, the hosts took the lead - after a wonderful cross, Gibson headed the ball from the back stick into the far right corner and into the net. South Shields Women (starting XI): Yeakey, Innes, May, Killeen, Legg, Gatens, White, Wootten, McMahon, Burns, Jota.

Substitutes: Sanders, Robinson, Hart, Boyd (did not play), Longstaff, Green.

Goals: Gatens (42', 46').

Chester-le-Street Town Goals: Ashton (66'), Gibson (80', 84').

Cover image credit: Craig McNair (@ideventphoto).