Burns reflects on SSFC Women’s “nice” Park View win

Ellie Burns has reflected on South Shields Women’s nine goal thriller yesterday afternoon.

The new arrival spoke following the 6-3 victory against Park View AFC Women, which saw the Mariners dominate the first-half, before the opponents responded with a challenge of their own in the second-half.

“I think it’s great to have that end of pre-season win to confidently move into the season coming,” she commented.

“A nice win against a good side – even if things didn’t all go perfect, everyone worked for each other.”

That win completes the lasses’ pre-season programme, which has seen them face four teams in Chester-le-Street Town Ladies, Durham PGA, Washington FC Women as well as Park View.

Having the chance to integrate herself within the mixed team squad has been a positive thing in her view, with each friendly and training session offering new lessons to learn from.

She continued: “I think I have had a lot of opportunities to help me prepare for this upcoming season, especially against sides like Durham who had great fitness levels.

“It was good to be able to try and match that and give them a good game, as well as the fitness Sophie [Clough] and Alex [Miller] (Co-Head Coaches) have been incorporating into our training sessions.”

Yesterday’s game was the first chance she had, as well as the other new players, to see the home support at Harton Welfare, which is something she highlighted.

Burns said: “Yes, it’s lovely to see their support and have that positivity around whilst playing.” 

Competitive action returns this week, as the First Team will visit Spennymoor Town Ladies on Sunday in the Mariners’ opening game of the NERWFL Premier Division campaign.

The Reserve Team get their campaign later in September, with the first game currently scheduled for Sunday, September 21st, away against Darlington Railway Athletic Women.

Burns is looking forward to getting stuck into the main action after a testing pre-season period.

“Yes, I’m very excited to get into the season with a lovely group of women who have all been very welcoming and play for each other,” she finished.

Full details for this Sunday’s visit to Spennymoor Town will be confirmed shortly on our social media channels (@SSFCWomen on Twitter/X and @southshieldswomenfc on Instagram).

Image credit: Craig McNair (@ideventphoto)