SSFC Women complete second-half comeback against Ossett United

South Shields Women completed a second-half comeback in a 3-1 win against Ossett United Women on Sunday.

The lasses fell behind initially, following an otherwise dominant first-half performance, after Emily Burgin headed an effort past Anna Yeakey in the 28th minute.

In the glare of the setting West Yorkshire sun, Shields found form in front of goal and strikes by Faye Killeen - her first for the club - Tianna Hill and Annece Legg flipped the game on its head.

It is an inspiring return to form following last week’s heavy Adobe Women’s FA Cup defeat and a result which secures Shields’ first league win, in their first league game, since the end of September.

Shields started well and created plenty of clear-cut chances but they were unable to finish the final shot, with chances for Jen Wootten, Killeen as well as Legg going astray in the opening period.

The hosts appeared to have cut a damaging blow to the Mariners’ hopes of taking all three points when Burgin opened the scoring just under 30 minutes into the game.

Amelia Hunt, who had been brought on as a substitute early into the half, launched a delivery which found the leaping Burgin who managed to head it in.

Yeakey, to her credit, did get a hand to it but the force was powerful enough to withstand it.

Ella Jacobs scrambled a catch inside the box shortly after a Legg corner which ensued chaos; Kelsi Hoot got a shot off but it was heroically defended and cleared by the Ossett United backline.

The away pressure continued as Shields looked to grab an equaliser, but it wasn’t until after the restart when the chances turned into goals.

Natalie May played Hill through on goal, who managed to round Jacobs before laying it off to Killeen at the back post to net her maiden goal for the club in the 54th minute.

About 20 minutes later, it would be Hill herself to get in on the action when she rebounded Desiree Rodriguez’ hit, which had rattled off the crossbar, into the net.

Legg would wrap things up in the 88th minute by completing a sequence she started, with thanks to Julie Raffel for her exquisite involvement in the build-up.

May went one-on-one with Jacobs just before the whistle blew but she was unable to further consolidate the Mariners’ advantage.

Up next is a shorter trip, this time over the River Tyne to face Wallsend BC Women in the Second Round of the NERWFL League Cup - full match details to be confirmed soon.

Ossett United Women (starting XI): Jacobs, Adams, Ashcroft, Starkie, Ayrton, Burgin, Bragan, Barraclough, Allison, Casey, McGill.

Substitutes: Hunt, Jones, Hall.

Goals: Burgin (28’).

South Shields Women (starting XI): Yeakey, May, Killeen, Legg, Wootten, McMahon, Hoot, Jota, Green, Hill, Raffel.

Substitutes: England, Rodriguez.

Goals: Killeen (54’), Hill (75’), Legg (88’).