SSFC Women snatch last-gasp equaliser against Ponteland United

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsqitZ_NBmo

South Shields Women snatched a last-second equaliser amidst a chaotic final minutes against Ponteland United Women on Sunday.

The opener of what was a dramatic four-goal clash between the Mariners and Ponteland came in the 62nd minute through the host's Chloe Adam.

It took the Mariners 22 minutes to hit back, as Julie Raffel stabbed home the equaliser in the 84th minute.

Both sides were not done there, as another two goals were in store deep into stoppage time - Katie Monaghan thought she had headed home the winner for Ponteland before Kelsi Hoot whipped a dagger of a direct corner into the top-right of Connie Harron’s goal.

The Mariners came into Sunday afternoon's clash boasting with confidence following their previous 6-1 demolition against Harrogate Town AFC Women. 

Hat-trick hero Madison Bouggess was present in Sophie Clough and Alex Miller’s starting XI after a run of outstanding performances in front of goal.

So too, was Tianna Hill - who bagged a brace last time out, as well as Hoot, who also got her name on the scoresheet. 

The clash began fierce with both sides creating opportunities from the off, the most threatening however came for the hosts. 

Ponteland found their way through on goal, with Isla Maggs finding space in the box to release a strike which crashed against the post.

As it was creeping in, however, Kennedy Green’s last ditch goal-line clearance prevented a sure opener.

Exactly 20 minutes later, Shields crafted their first clear-cut opportunity of the game, one which saw Raffel strike the post. 

The original ball from the corner didn’t reach anyone in claret and blue, however Annece Legg slung in a delicious ball into Raffel, who swept the ball across the keeper's left, however the ball racketed against the post. 

The next real opportunity fell Ponteland’s way in the 62nd minute, as Adam found herself one-on-one with Anna Yeakey and slotted away the opener.

However, as great teams do - Clough and Miller’s team responded defiantly with six minutes to spare.

Desiree Rodriguez rifled in a free-kick that took several flick-ons and deflections before the ball fortunately fell to the feet of Raffel, who slotted in the equaliser with a composed finish.

Soon after, the chaos began.

In the 92nd minute, Legg was shown a red card by the referee and six minutes later, the hosts had found what they thought to be the sure winner. 

Ponteland broke forward with a pacey counter-attack with Kylie Holmes leading the charge down the left side, who flicked a ball into the box for Monaghan to head the hosts back in front. 

The hosts thinking they had netted the winner - was fortunately for travelling fans not the case - with the Mariners’ ‘never say die’ attitude aiding them to equalise in the 99th minute of the game. 

At the death itself, Hoot fizzed in a corner which found the top right corner; a fabulous goal directly from the corner saw Shields return back with one point gained.

Ponteland United Women: Harron, Brooks, Wilson, Derderian, Wilkinson, Adam, Pettit, Rodda, Bright, Maggs, Hollis.

Substitutes: Monaghan, Holmes, Sarsfield, Dixon.

Goals: Adam (62’), Monaghan (90+8’).

South Shields Women: Yeakey, May, Robinson, Legg, Wootten, Hoot, Green, Rodriguez, Bouggess, Hill, Raffel.

Substitutes: Killeen, England, McDonald, Miller.

Goals: Raffel (84’), Hoot (90+9’).