Raffel "feeling good" ahead of SSFC Women's season-defining push

Julie Raffel says that her South Shields Women teammates are “feeling good” as they look to finish their season on a high note in the coming weeks.

The lasses have seven league games - plus at least one cup game - scheduled between now and the end of April.

That all starts tonight when they host Ponteland United Women in what will be the Mariners' first evening game of the campaign.

“Yeah, it’s been busy, but we’re feeling good and ready for what’s coming!” she exclaimed.

Although Shields were out of action last weekend, the team put in a spirited display a fortnight ago against league leaders Bradford City AFC Women.

While it wasn’t enough to get a result on the day, there were positives that Raffel feels she can take heading into the Ponteland United game and beyond.

She said: “Definitely a lot of positives to take from the game and we’ll look to build on that this weekend for sure!”

With the season heating up, Raffel is hopeful the team can achieve their main objectives: a top four push in the league, and get as far as they can in the NERWFL League Cup.

Having already reached the First Round Proper of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup and the Semi-Final of the DCFA Women’s Challenge Cup, Shields have performed well in those tournaments this season.

They find themselves in the Quarter-Final of the League Cup too and will travel to Sunderland West End Ladies in just over a fortnight hoping for further success.

“It’s definitely an exciting time with the last couple of games this season, and we are pushing for a strong finish!” she continued.

Those achievements wouldn’t have been possible without the backing from the supporters, and Raffel finished with a quick message of ‘thanks’ to those who have helped to make a difference.

She added: “The support has been amazing, it really means a lot and pushes us on!”

Kick-off at Ford Hub (SR4 0RW) for our game against Ponteland United Women this Friday, March 20th, is at 7:45pm. 

Sign up for a Leisure United account and scan the generated QR code in order to access the facilities on the night - click the highlighted link to visit their website.

Image credit: Sports by Gabs (@sports_bygabs).