Ponteland United next up for SSFC Women in Women's FA Cup tie

South Shields Women enter the Adobe Women’s FA Cup at the second qualifying round stage, when they travel to divisional leaders Ponteland United Women (2pm kick-off).

It should be a competitive clash between two good footballing sides, with The Mariners set to face the only team in the NERWFL Premier Division with a perfect record.

Shields come into the game off the back of a 3-1 win against newly-promoted York RI Ladies, which saw Annece Legg and Sophie Greener get on the scoresheet.

Sunday’s hosts, meanwhile, are impressive defensively having conceded just once.

There will be some familiar faces to embrace this weekend - Phoebe Dixon and Erin Taylor, who both played for Shields last season, joined Ponteland over the summer. 

Taylor, in fact, scored Ponteland’s 90th minute winner against Bradford City Women last week!

Alex’s thoughts

Head coach Alex Miller spoke about the significance of the Women’s FA Cup and what it might mean to the club if they were to hit the ground running with a positive result on Sunday.

“We know the importance of it,” she said at training this week, “we know what’s at stake with the game.

“There’s that feeling of excitement, but obviously the determination to want to win.

“[It’s] a really great thing to be a part of, such a prestigious cup, and to just be in the draw is massive itself.

“The positives with being in there and potentially winning as well, it’s massive for the women’s side.

“So really, really looking forward to it, but definitely aware of the importance of the game as well.”

Liv’s thoughts

Olivia Mole spoke to us after Sunday’s win against York RI about what the FA Cup means to her.

She was part of the Spennymoor Town Ladies side which reached the second round of the tournament last season, and she is hoping for more of the same for The Mariners this year.

“Last season with Spennymoor, we had a really good cup run and this year I am hoping to do the same with Shields,” she said.

“Personally, I love the FA Cup - it’s a chance to compete in a tournament against teams at all levels and the excitement of progressing through the rounds and finding out who you will face next is a really positive experience.

“Hopefully we can start our run off with a win!”

Information for supporters

Kick-off at Ponteland Leisure Centre (NE20 9EG) is at 2pm this Sunday, September 22nd.

Entry is £3 for adults, £2 for concessions and free for U16s.

There are lots of parking spaces available but please don’t park on the coach bays or you may get a ticket.

It would mean a lot if you could come along and give the team your backing at the weekend.

Putting together a cup run would be incredible for the club and every gesture of support would go a long way!