Legg "buzzing" with SSFC Women's statement win over Moors Ladies

Hat-trick hero Annece Legg hailed her South Shields Women teammates following a scintillating performance in the NERWFL League Cup on Sunday.

The Mariners dominated their tie against Spennymoor Town Ladies from the off and managed to score four goals without reply.

That statement win sent the team through to the Quarter-Final, where the lasses will make the short visit to face Sunderland West End Ladies.

“I’m absolutely buzzing with the performance,” she reflected after the game.

“From the first whistle we really took control of the game. 

“Every single player did their job, and we played with real confidence and intensity.

“Getting through to the Quarter-Final is a great reward for the effort we put in, and it shows how much we’ve grown as a team this season.”

Legg stunned supporters with a “special” first-half hat-trick, and it isn’t even the first time she has netted three times in one half this season.

She repeated the feat during the second-half against Wallsend BC Women - this weekend’s opponents - and she had scored another goal earlier in the game to seal a 4-0 victory in September.

Legg continued: “It’s always special to score, but a first-half hat-trick is something I’m proud of and I’m really happy to have contributed. 

“We created some brilliant chances and it all came from the team’s overall play and quality.”

Some of the goals she scored were unbelievable: the first came directly from a corner, and her third was struck from near the half-way line, to exuberant scenes from the home support.

“Honestly, I didn’t have much time to think!” she explained.

“The ball fell nicely, and I just thought, ‘Why not?’ 

“As soon as it left my foot, I hoped it was on target, but when it flew in like that I was just as surprised as everyone else. 

“It’s one of those moments where instinct takes over, and luckily it paid off.”

Shields are hoping to end 2025 “on a positive note” when they face Wallsend BC, who are rooted to the bottom of the NERWFL Premier Division table as things stand.

“I’m excited for our last game before Christmas, as is the squad,” Legg commented. 

“We know we can perform well against Wallsend, as we have proved the previous two times we have played them this season. 

“Let’s hope to get another win and end the year on a positive note!”

Kick-off at Kirkley Park (NE28 8SX) is at 2pm this Sunday, December 14th.

Image credit: Craig McNair (@ideventphoto)