SSFC Women set for Spennymoor test in cup

South Shields Women face Spennymoor Town in the Durham FA Women’s Cup on Sunday, hoping to make amends for August’s 3-0 cup defeat (1:30pm kick-off).

The lasses were knocked out of the NERWFL League Cup courtesy of an Autumn Colledge hat-trick in Matt Gatiss’ first competitive game as head coach.

Since that game both teams have fared incredibly well, with the hosts enjoying an unbeaten start to life in the fifth tier until last weekend’s thrilling showdown against Sunderland West End.

Shields have also started the season brightly with their only defeat coming at the hands of Alnwick Town in the Women’s FA Cup a fortnight ago.

Last week saw the Mariners come out 4-1 winners away against Wakefield AFC, which included an outrageous strike from the young Sophie Greener.

Regardless, this fixture will give fans another exciting opportunity to see how two of the strongest teams in the division stack up in a knockout tie.

Matt’s thoughts

“The County Cup’s a massively prestigious competition,” Shields head coach Gatiss reflected.

“To get there, we’re going to start off by having to beat one of the best teams in our division going by league form.

“Silverware is key for anything but it’s not about that so much, it’s about the journey the girls are on and we’re developing and that’ll be a nice reward for it if we do get there.

“We’re taking it a game at a time; we can’t do any more in a knockout competition, so we’ve got to see what happens.”

Information for supporters

Kick-off at New Ferens Park (DH1 1GG) is at 1.30pm.

Admission is £3, with under-12s being free, and we would love to see your support whether that’s in person or online via our social media channels.

We look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible.