May highlights "positives" despite SSFC Women's Final defeat

Natalie May highlighted a number of positives that South Shields Women can take despite the heartbreak surrounding Sunday's NERWFL League Cup Final defeat.

The lasses fell behind against Leeds Modernians Women in the sixth minute, and they were unable to get the goal they needed to bring them back in the tie, before a second goal shortly before the final whistle ended all hopes of ending the season in glory.

While the disappointment can be felt at the moment, in time the Mariners can look back and appreciate the chances they had to show, even if the outcome didn’t go their way.

“Yeah, obviously it’s disappointing not to get the result we wanted, especially in a Final,” she reflected.

“I think it took us a while to get into the game and the first 45 minutes weren’t at the level we know we can perform at, but I thought we improved a lot in the second-half and showed more of what we’re capable of. 

“We created some really good chances, and on another day, a couple of those shots go in and it’s a completely different outcome.

“I don’t think the scoreline fully reflected the effort and commitment from the girls. 

“We stayed in the game, kept fighting, and there are still positives we can take from the performance even though it’s a tough one to take right now.”

The team’s journey to get to this point was certainly remarkable - brushing aside fellow NERWFL Premier Division sides Wallsend BC Women, Spennymoor Town Ladies and Sunderland West End Ladies, before winning out a close battle with the NERWFL Northern Division champions, Birtley Town Ladies.

“When we look back at the journey to the Final, there’s a lot to be proud of,” May insisted.

“We had some brilliant performances along the way and scored some great goals too.

“Those results showed what this group is capable of when we’re playing with confidence and togetherness. 

“Reaching a Final is never easy, so the run we had deserves a lot of credit and it’s something the whole squad should be proud of.”

All in all, it has been an “up and down season” in May’s view, but there can be a lot of credit taken from the fact that a largely new team - most of the players had not known each other before August or September - has gelled together and taken the club to greater heights.

She added: “It’s definitely been an up and down season with plenty of challenges along the way, but I think there are a lot of positives to take from it as well. 

“Considering that most of this team had never even met each other nine months ago, the progress we made together has been really impressive. 

“We did very well in the cups and reached big moments as a group. 

“Of course there are things we’ll want to improve on moving forward, but overall I think there are plenty of aspects of the season we can be proud of.”

May finally finished with a message of thanks to those who have been involved throughout the campaign.

“I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout the season. 

“To the players, supporters, volunteers, and everyone behind the scenes, your support means everything. 

“A special thank you as well to all the past and present coaches and staff who have helped the team throughout the year.

“No matter how big or small the role, everyone has played a part in helping us get through what has been a difficult but rewarding season.

“We’ve learned a lot, stuck together through the highs and lows, and hopefully we can build on that going into next season.”

Image credit: Craig McNair (@ideventphoto).