McDonald: SSFC Women "showed good resilience" to claim Alnwick Town draw

Eva McDonald was proud of how South Shields Women "showed good resilience” against a resolute Alnwick Town Ladies side on Sunday.

A challenging game in the windy conditions, the deadlock was broken just five minutes after the restart through ex-Mariner Sophie Greener, before Madison Bouggess levelled the scoring 13 minutes later.

The hosts would then re-take the lead through Rhiannon Mallaburn in the 71st minute, but Jen Wootten proved her class in the final minute of regular time with a well-hit chip from distance to claim a point for Shields.

McDonald was pleased to see that resilient attitude shine through for the second time against Alnwick Town this season, given the lasses managed to complete a three-goal comeback in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup in September.

“It was a good team performance,” she admitted, “especially with having low numbers and we showed good resilience to stay in the game in tough conditions.”

With little more than 30 seconds on the clock remaining before added time, Wootten’s sweet delivery ensured the Mariners would take home a valuable point as they look to finish the league strongly in the coming weeks.

She exclaimed: “Jen’s goal was unbelievable, she hit it so well!"

The season is quickly drawing to a close and the Mariners only have five league matches remaining, plus their quest for silverware continues in the NERWFL League Cup Quarter-Final against Sunderland West End Ladies next week.

“I’m looking forward to the last few games this season,” she continued.

Shields host league leaders Bradford City AFC Women on Easter Sunday and McDonald is eager for the team to test themselves against a strong team.

“It’ll be a good game against Bradford as they’re a tough and physical side, so it will be good to test ourselves," McDonald concluded.

Kick-off at Harton Welfare (NE34 0NA) for our game is at 2pm this Sunday, April 5th. Entry will be free so you are more than welcome to join us for some Easter action!

Image credit: Sports by Gabs (@sports_bygabs).