Match Preview: SSFC Women vs Harrogate Town

South Shields Women take on Harrogate Town for the second time in a fortnight at Harton Welfare this Sunday (2pm kick-off).

It will give fans a chance to see the lasses in action at home for the first time since the Women’s FA Cup defeat to Alnwick Town six weeks ago.

Last Sunday’s fixture ended in a remarkable manner for the Mariners as they came back from a goal behind to clinch a 2-1 away win.

Jaz Elliott-Wood bagged a screamer while Annece Legg delivered a last minute penalty to take all three points.

Although Harrogate gave a good account of themselves at the weekend, their only point so far this season came against the aforementioned Alnwick, in a 2-2 draw in September.

A 5-0 win back in April did the trick in last season’s equivalent game, with braces by Becki McMahon and Sophie Greener being complemented by a solitary strike from Eve Gatens at 1st Cloud Arena.

Matt’s thoughts

“We know that we have to take it game by game,” head coach Matt Gatiss said at training on Thursday night.

“As we’re grinding out results every week, teams below us start beating each other and that’s all we can do and hopefully we can keep it up.

“We’ve got a nice run of home fixtures now so let’s keep doing what we can do and let the rest of it sort themselves out.”

More than 200 supporters came along for the Alnwick game and Gatiss has appealed to any fan wanting to become a part of the journey.

“Just keep with us,” he added.

“Stick with us, and hopefully you get entertained. All the games so far this season have certainly produced some sights.

“Come and enjoy it and build the profile of women’s football.”

Information for supporters

Kick-off at Harton Welfare (NE34 0NA) is at 2pm on Sunday.

Entry is free and everybody is welcome along. As ever your support is warmly appreciated, and it goes a long way.