May speaks after SSFC Women's West End defeat

Natalie May has spoken after South Shields Women fell to their second successive defeat of the new season against Sunderland West End Ladies.

The lasses went behind on Sunday through a quickfire Eve Jones double early on, before Jen Wootten pulled one back almost instantly - the score was 2-1 after just 16 minutes.

“It was definitely a tough one,” she reflected, “especially the way we came out and started the game in the first 20 minutes. 

“We knew coming into it that we’d be up against strong opposition, and at times they showed their quality.

“But I thought we stuck at it, kept working for each other, and there were spells where we played some good football. 

“Even though the result wasn’t what we wanted, there are still positives to take.”

A more encouraging performance followed the early flurry of goals but a comeback couldn’t quite happen, despite a number of well-crafted chances throughout.

That experience gives the team lots of things to learn from and that is something which May took from the game.

She added: “Getting a goal back gave us a lift and showed the character in the team. 

“For me, the big takeaway is how important it is to stay switched on for the full 90 minutes.

“At this level, any lapse gets punished, but when we stuck to our shape and moved the ball quickly, we caused them problems. 

“Those are the things we’ll look to build on going forward and need to find consistency with.”

Up next is the return of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup: Shields made history last season when they reached the Second Round Proper for the first time and May is hoping to create some more history this weekend.

“The FA Cup is special,” she finished, “and last year’s run gave us memories we’ll never forget. 

“It showed what can happen when everyone pulls together and believes. 

“This time around, we need to be just as good and believe in ourselves.

"We know how much it means to the club and the supporters, and we’re all excited to get out there, give it everything, and hopefully create more moments to remember."

Match details for Sunday’s game, away to Alnwick Town Ladies, will be confirmed soon.

Image credit: Craig McNair (@ideventphoto)