Rodriguez: SSFC Women "fought every minute" vs Thornaby

Desiree Rodriguez was proud of how South Shields Women “fought every minute” in their 4-0 defeat to Thornaby FC Women on Sunday.

The Player of the Match spoke in the aftermath of the game at Downhill Hub, which concluded a hectic run of three games in seven days for a depleted Shields outfit.

While the Mariners were initially dealt a harsh lesson by a clinical Blues side, the second-half performance was much improved.

Rodriguez feels like she can take some positives from an otherwise challenging match.

“The game against Thornaby was a challenge due to different factors like the wind and numbers, but I do think we came out and fought every minute,” she reflected.

“The second-half, we pressed harder and I think that really worked in our favour.”

That resilience has been on show countless times this season - when three goals behind to Alnwick Town Ladies, or deep into stoppage-time away against Ponteland United Women - and she was pleased to see it re-emerge.

Rodriguez added: “I agree, our second-half was commendable and we kept fighting despite the result of the first-half and it really shows our fight and drive as a team. 

“I think we show our character and spirit in every game we play and I think it really showed on Sunday, because we didn’t give up.”

Over the past week, Shields have faced two of the strongest teams in the NERWFL Premier Division in Bradford City AFC Women and Thornaby FC Women.

That was sandwiched in between a midweek NERWFL League Cup clash against Sunderland West End Ladies.

With things made more difficult by the weather conditions and the low numbers, the remaining players have rallied together in her view and proven their worth to themselves.

“Some lessons that we’ve taken from the last week are how resilient we are as a team,” Rodriguez continued.

“Having low numbers is not easy and we are playing with keepers on the field and they are doing amazing. 

“We really rally with each other and fight for each other in every minute of the games.”

The home games keep coming, with Alnwick Town making the trip down this weekend, before the Mariners take on Ossett United Women, and then Birtley Town Ladies in the League Cup Semi-Final.

Rodriguez is hoping the team can learn from this week’s challenges and come through stronger.

“I am very excited for the upcoming home games!” she exclaimed. 

“We’ve been working hard and really fighting through every challenge that we’ve had.

“We’re ready to go out and get good results and end strong!”

Match details for our game against Alnwick Town Ladies will be shared on our social media channels shortly.

Image credit: Kasey Taylor (@kltaylorphotos).