Pine and Sanders reflect on their SSFC Women First Team debuts

It was a special Easter Sunday for Demi Pine and Jade Sanders, who both made their competitive debuts for South Shields Women’s First Team.

Sanders - usually a goalkeeper - started up top, while Pine came on as a half-time substitute in her place to play out the second-half against league leaders Bradford City AFC Women.

While the result didn’t go the lasses way, it was an experience the pair won’t forget in a hurry.

We put a few questions together for them both following the game - read what they had to say!

Q: I imagine you must both be feeling very proud after making your competitive First Team debuts?

Demi: “I’m happy I got the chance to play for the First Team on Sunday. 

“I think it was a tough match but we battled through it and didn’t let our heads drop.”

Jade: “I didn't think my first call up to the First Team would be to play up front (as a goalkeeper) but I'll take any chance that I can to play at this level and I am so grateful to have been given that opportunity.”

Q: How did the challenge compare to a typical Reserve Team game, and do you think your work throughout the season has helped you to make the step up?

Demi: “The challenge against the top of the league for the First Team was a big challenge and definitely tough compared to the Reserves’ matches.

“There was a lot more ball movement, and physical presence; the Reserve Team has helped me to make a step up as we face different challenges every week.”

Jade: “Yeah, obviously my first game being against top of the table Bradford does make it a challenging game and I can clearly see the difference in the level from First Team to the Reserves’ games. 

“Everything that I do with the Reserves I do in hope to show what I can do and to have an opportunity to play for the First Team.”

Q: What things have you learned from the experience which you can carry forward?

Demi: “I have learnt to be more strong and more confident on the ball, and to not back down for a challenge.”

Jade: “I have learned so much from the game with the First Team, seeing the way they play and how they all work so well together is an amazing thing to see. 

“Seeing their determination throughout the whole game is something I want to take into my next games and help me become a better player.”

Q: Do you feel that the ambition now is to try and keep impressing so that you are able to make future First Team appearances? 

Demi: “My goal and ambition now is to work harder and achieve more to try and feature in the First Team more often, to get that big step up and face harder competition.”

Jade: “Yeah I want to focus now, more than ever, now that I have seen the level that I need to be at in the First Team. 

“Seeing how Amber [Robinson] has moved up from the Reserves to the First Team earlier this season and Kylie [Scarpiello] now going up is something that I want to achieve too, so I'll keep working in training and games and hope that I am able to do what they have already achieved.”

Image credit: Max Lomas (@maxlomasphoto).