Gowans speaks after SSFC Women's Alnwick Town defeat

Shot-stopper Scarlett Gowans has provided her post-match assessment following South Shields Women’s 2-0 defeat to Alnwick Town Ladies.

Goals by Catherine Johnston and Libby Rees condemned the lasses to their first loss in six matches on the final day, which followed a hectic run of six games in 22 days.

“Of course that’s not how we wanted to end our season,” she said, “but I think after a packed couple of weeks everybody was ready to finish the season off and recover.”

This season has largely been one of transition for the team, with a number of personnel changes on and off the field.

The schedule itself has been a mixed bag too - games against York RI Ladies and Hull United Women were designated as walkover victories, while the lasses went a number of weeks without a NERWFL Premier Division game during December, February and March at times.

In contrast, April's busy schedule allowed the team to build up some positive momentum with victories against Harrogate Town AFC Women, Sunderland West End Ladies and Spennymoor Town Ladies.

She added: “I wouldn’t say the stop-start has given us any disruption in terms of how we play; of course it can be intense though, so like I say I believe everyone is grateful for the end of the season for time to rest and recover!”

Thinking about the bigger picture, the team can look to successes such as their Adobe Women’s FA Cup run, which saw them reach the second round proper back in November, as something to reminisce.

“Taking a step back, it’s great to see the run we had in the FA Cup!” she said.

“It created memories for life.”

She finished with a message to the supporters following yet another history-making campaign.

“No different from any year, we have had the amazing fans supporting us and giving us an extra push to perform on the pitch," Gowans ended.

“I’d like to say thank you to them, and we hope to see them all again next season!”

Please follow our social media channels for updates throughout the summer ahead of the 2025/26 season - @SSFCWomen on Twitter/X and @southshieldswomenfc on Instagram.

Image credit: Craig McNair (@ideventphoto).