Gowans: SSFC Women are "all feeling motivated to get back on the pitch!"

Scarlett Gowans has suggested South Shields Women are ready for action as the team gets ready for their first outing in 2025. 

Last week’s planned match against Bradford City AFC Women at Harton Welfare was postponed due to the inclement weather and while having no games recently has been a bit "strange" in her view, the winter break has given her some extra food for thought.

“Having no games feels strange,” she admitted, “especially with having a routine in place for most of the year.

“But it’s been a nice rest, time to relax and recover in preparation for the season to continue.”

The lasses have played just two games since their last league game - a 1-1 draw against Hull United Women on Sunday, November 10th - though the mood in the camp remains good despite the lack of action recently.

She continued: “The mood in training has been very positive! 

“I think now that everyone has had downtime, we are all feeling motivated to get back on the pitch and playing football.”

Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Alex Miller and Sophie Clough would become co-head coaches moving forward and Gowans has given us her take on the new arrangement. 

“I’m sure Sophie joining Alex as co-head coaches will bring lots of experience and different ideas. 

“Alex has already done so much for the team in terms of development, so I’m sure having two heads could further enhance this.”

The two teams met back in September in the second qualifying round of the Adobe Women's FA Cup and the 3-1 win for Shields was the first on the team's historic journey to the second round proper, for the first time in the club's history.

She finished: “The FA Cup game against Ponteland is one of my favourite games this season!

“It was the first match of our historic FA Cup campaign, and I think the intensity and determination that came from that game is really what enabled us to get as far as we did.”

Kick-off at Ponteland Leisure Centre (NE20 9EG) is at 2:30pm this Sunday, January 12th. A full match preview will be shared on the club’s website later this week. 

Image credit: Craig McNair (@ideventphoto)