SSFC Women to take on Hartlepool at 1st Cloud Arena

1st Cloud Arena plays host to an exciting clash on Sunday as South Shields Women take on Hartlepool United in the NERWFL Premier Division (2pm kick-off).

Matt Gatiss’ side are currently third in the table and are unbeaten in three following last Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Wallsend BC Women.

Jaz Elliott-Wood and Eve Gatens got the goals for the lasses, who will be hoping to continue their strong league start against Hartlepool.

The visitors head into the tie winless so far this season, though their most recent match was a thrilling back-and-forth 5-5 draw against Wakefield AFC.

While it is still early days in the season, the team with the best defensive record - Shields have just conceded two - are up against the team with the worst, with Hartlepool allowing 15 goals against.

Sunday’s clash gives the Mariners an opportunity to put together some momentum ahead of next week’s Women’s FA Cup clash against Alnwick Town.

Matt’s thoughts

“Come down and see what women’s football's all about,” head coach Gatiss said.

“It’s growing in popularity, especially after the work of the Lionesses, and it has been pleasing just this season.

“Every game - we’ve played away most of the games at the minute - we’re trickling up the support so if we can get the home support down like we had at Spennymoor in the League Cup, it’s vital.

“The lasses feed off it and it makes it different for the opposition as well, and it gives that little boost.

“We want to turn 1st Cloud into our home and a ground people don’t want to come to.

“The crowd is part of that so come down, be loud, enjoy it.”

Information for supporters

Kick-off at 1st Cloud Arena (NE32 3UP) is at 2pm this Sunday, September 24th.

Tickets are priced at £3 unless you have booked a Sunday Lunch with the club, in which case it is free entry.

You can book a Sunday Lunch by visiting the club’s website: https://www.southshieldsfc.co.uk/food

We would appreciate any support, and it would mean a lot to the lasses, who are at home for the first time in the league this season.