Yeakey "relieved" and "excited" following SSFC Women's cup thriller

South Shields Women’s Anna Yeakey has spoken of her relief and excitement following the team’s thrilling Adobe Women’s FA Cup comeback.

The lasses were trailing 3-0 at half-time against Alnwick Town Ladies, but they dug deep and produced a spectacular second-half performance to bring things level, with the final kick of the game.

They then went on to win the game on penalties to book their ticket to the next round, the Third Round Qualifying.

Speaking shortly after the final whistle, Yeakey said: “I'm feeling relieved after today’s match but excited at the same time. 

“Today was a definite improvement from the past few games and a well needed morale boost for the team.”

The Mariners had a mountain to climb after Libby Rees, and later, Sophie Greener, netted Alnwick’s three first-half goals.

Yeakey says there was an air of frustration at how things went, but they didn’t let that define them when the game resumed.

She continued: “I think the team was frustrated at half-time with the scoreline being 3-0, knowing that’s not how we play or have been training. 

“It felt a bit unfair but we were determined to turn it around and did just that.”

The lottery of a penalty shoot-out decided the win, echoing the First Round Proper game against Halifax FC Women last season, which saw the team equalise late on too.

Yeakey even pulled off a stop to deny Chloe Young as the shoot-out neared its end point.

“Penalties are always tough so to pull out a save was an amazing feeling, especially with it being the FA Cup,” she said.

Yeakey is hoping the team can use this result as momentum moving forward, starting this Sunday when the team host Wallsend BC Women in the NERWFL Premier Division.

She finished: “Overall, today was a hard fought battle but I’m pleased to bring home the win, it was well deserved by the girls. 

“Hopefully today’s result will be momentum for the team, going forward into the next round.”

Image credit: Craig McNair (@ideventphoto)