South Shields Women head coach Alex Miller says her side put in “another real performance” as they went back to winning ways in the league.
It’s an incredibly tight top six in the NERWFL Premier Division, where half of the division is separated by just five points at this stage of the season, and the three points against Hartlepool will go a long way in making sure Shields are still in the battle.
It was by no means an easy game,” she reflected, “but a game I felt we were in control of throughout.
“Hartlepool challenged us all the way, but the Shields lasses kept their heads clear, pushed on and were rewarded for their efforts!
“We definitely had a big point to prove after last weekend, and I think the lasses absolutely smashed that today. Another real team performance which is so pleasing to witness as a coach.”
Ellie White was handed the player of the match accolade for getting two goals on her first start for the team since Barnsley at the end of January, and Miller couldn’t be more delighted for her.
She added: “Ellie was first class today. She has a fantastic attitude both on and off the pitch.
“Ellie works so hard each and every week and I thought today was a great opportunity to get her in the starting line up. She most definitely did not disappoint and deserves all the recognition she gets from today’s game!”
Although the side became the second team in the league to score 50 league goals, the team couldn’t hold on for a seventh clean sheet of the campaign. Miller has urged keeper Scarlett Gowans not to feel disappointed with that because she contributed so much elsewhere.
"Scarlett is such a passionate player who is very hard on herself at times,” she said.
“Yes, there was no clean sheet today, however Scarlett still played a vital role in this team performance - that’s what I want her to take away from today.
“I know myself from playing centre back, it’s invaluable having a keeper who’s commanding and constructive between the sticks, and Scarlett provides this in abundance.
“It’s been a pleasure to see Scarlett’s development since the start of the season. Adam (our GK coach) has played a massive role in helping Scarlett to progress in both her confidence and footballing performances.”
Sophie Curle continued her remarkable scoring streak which was extended to five games. She netted her eighth and ninth goals in a Shields shirt on Sunday and she has scored in every game she has played for the Mariners.
Miller continued: “She’s on fire, especially for someone who’s been feeling under the weather recently!
“We’re very fortunate to have someone of Sophie’s calibre on the team. She’s scarily consistent at scoring goals week in week out, and is great at helping to bring the best out of her teammates too!”
The lasses have a week off ahead of another tough tie against Wallsend BC Women. Their late defeat against Spennymoor puts them third in the table, but are three points ahead of Shields with a game in hand over them.
It promises to be an exciting end to the season and any team could take the crown as things stand!