"Plenty of positives" from Cestrians game says Gatens

Eve Gatens netted twice for South Shields Women in a stand-out display against Chester-le-Street Town Ladies on Sunday afternoon.

The forward effortlessly cut inside from the left and struck a rifled shot into the net shortly before the break, and then she made it two just one minute into the second-half.

It was a dream start to pre-season for Gatens, who is hoping to contribute more goals and assists in the coming weeks.

She said: “Really happy to have scored twice, especially against a good Chester team, and it was a good test for us in our first pre-season game."

The hosts managed to mount a second-half comeback - two goals from ex-Newcastle United Women player Georgia Gibson, as well as one by Jenny Ashton secured Chester-le-Street Town the win - but there were definitely some good things to highlight.

“Plenty of positives to take from the game,” she commented, “including new players coming in and getting some valuable minutes. 

“We created some good chances and feel as though as our first pre-season game, there was a lot to build on and things we can improve on.”

A host of new names were included in the line-up as the Mariners named a mixed squad, featuring players from the existing First Team as well as the newly-introduced Reserve Team.

They included starters Ellie Burns and Faye Killeen, while Harmony Boyd, Jayde Hart, Amber Robinson, Jade Sanders and SSFC International Academy’s Kennedy Green were also named among the substitutes. 

Ebony Longstaff returned to the fold and she made a second-half contribution as well.

“It’s good to see the newer players coming into the team and giving 100% effort and getting stuck in every week,” Gatens added.

“They’ve slotted in really well, and looking forward to seeing what the season brings.” 

Next up for the lasses is an away trip to Durham PGA on Wednesday, August 13th (7:30pm kick-off). Full match details will be confirmed shortly.

Image credit: Craig McNair (@ideventphoto)