Naylor: First SSFC Women goal was a "great moment!"

Erin Naylor says that scoring her first goal for South Shields Women was a “great moment” for her.

She came on as a substitute against Ponteland United Women in the Women’s FA Cup, with the scores deadlocked at 1-1, and she made a lasting impact with her 68th-minute goal. 

“Having the opportunity to come on, in the FA Cup, was an amazing feeling,” she reflected after the game.  

“Getting myself a goal meant a lot to me and it was a great moment seeing all the girls run over to congratulate me.” 

Head coach Alex Miller spoke later about the fact that Naylor’s goal “turned the game around” - and she couldn’t have been more pleased to hear that! 

She said: “Hearing Alex say that my goal changed the momentum of the game was a great feeling and a good thing to hear. 

“This gave me a massive confidence boost in myself that I knew I needed.” 

It was Naylor’s first experience playing in a cup competition with the first team, having stepped up from lower in the pathway, along with starters Ava England and Eva McDonald. 

That, in itself, could have been daunting, but she did well to not let that pressure get the better of her.

She continued: “Playing in the FA Cup is a big deal especially as I’m only 16; I’m really proud to be part of this team and thought we really deserved to win.”

Many fans came up to support the lasses in Ponteland and Naylor spoke on behalf of the team, about how grateful everybody is for that backing.

“It’s great to see the support we get every week and I can’t wait to see what comes next for our team!” she finished. 

The draw for the third qualifying round was made on Tuesday - the lasses are at home to FC United of Manchester Women on Sunday, October 13th, with full details to be shared soon. 

It’s back to league action, however, on Sunday, with a home game against Wallsend BC Women scheduled at Harton Welfare, for a 2pm kick-off.

Follow the team’s social media channels (Twitter/X and Instagram) for previews, insight and behind the scenes content ahead of the game.