South Shields FC host London City Lionesses ahead of Sunderland AFC match

South Shields FC hosted London City Lionesses ahead of their Barclays Women’s Championship fixture against Sunderland AFC Women.

Jocelyn Prêcheur’s side trained at 1st Cloud Arena on Saturday afternoon, leading up to Sunday’s game.

They are the latest in a succession of teams to have trained at the Mariners' home ground – Roberto Mancini's Saudi Arabian national side, along with the Costa Rican men's team, trained there in September 2023.

Sunderland AFC edged out a tight battle to claim a 1-0 victory, through a goal by Natasha Fenton in the 58th minute.

The Pride, as they are known, were founded in 2019 when the board of directors and senior management at Millwall Lionesses decided to break away and form an independent entity.

They finished in a respectable eighth place last season, and after four games played this time round, they sit sixth, just ahead of Sunderland AFC, and narrowly behind recently-promoted Newcastle United Women.

South Shields FC Commercial Director, Carl Mowatt, said: "It just shows how much the club has grown when I am getting enquiries, both nationally and globally, for prestigious clubs [like London City Lionesses] wanting to visit and support our club.

"I would also like to pay credit to the club for the fantastic facilities we have on offer, in particular to the Groundsman and Vice-Chairman, Gary Crutwell, who cares for the pitch on a daily basis to keep it in a condition which is fit for a Football League club."

Both the staff and all the players were very grateful for the chance to train at 1st Cloud Arena and the club hope to see them again in the future.