Raffel praises SSFC Women's "fight" in Ponteland United battle

Julie Raffel praised South Shields Women’s character following their fightback draw against Ponteland United Women on Sunday.

It was a game of constant back and forth as the two teams ultimately settled for a 2-2 draw, but it came with its fair share of drama - especially late on.

That was something she highlighted, but regardless the team’s spirit shone through.

“It was a tough game with a lot going on, especially at the end," she said.

“We showed a lot of fight to stay in it and come away with a point.”

Raffel scored the first equaliser with six minutes left on the clock and it was a moment she thought helped to give the team some much-needed momentum.

She added: “It felt good to get the equaliser and give us momentum.

“We’d kept pushing, so it was nice to see it pay off.”

Ponteland United scored deep into stoppage time, but the Mariners went straight up the other end of the pitch immediately after the restart to earn a corner, which Kelsi Hoot swung directly into the top corner.

She continued: “I was really happy for Kelsi and for the team!

"To score like that was a special way to salvage the well deserved point.”

Up next is a massive game for the team against Durham Cestria in the DCFA Women’s Challenge Cup Semi-Final.

“It’s very exciting the fact that it’s one win and we will be in the final,”  Raffel finished.

“So we are looking very much forward to the challenge of the Semi-Final.”

Match details for this weekend’s game against Durham Cestria will be shared soon - check our social media pages for full information (@SSFCWomen on Twitter/X and @southshieldswomenfc on Instagram).

Image credit: Craig McNair (@ideventphoto)