Elliott-Wood: ‘We got the result that we deserved’

Matchwinner Jaz Elliott-Wood believes South Shields Women “got the result that we deserved” as her rocketed free-kick stole the show against Alnwick Town Ladies. 

She struck from 45-yards out, and her goal proved to be the difference maker on Sunday as Shields took home three points in a narrow 1-0 victory against another promotion-chasing team.

It is Shields’ first win against Alnwick for many years which adds some weight to the occasion, as well as making up for the Women’s FA Cup defeat to them earlier in the season.

“After the game last time out against Alnwick, it finally feels like we got the result that we deserved,” she reflected.

“Due to the weather conditions we couldn’t play as well as we perhaps wanted to. It was definitely a game of two halves: first half we all had to dig deep as we were constantly under pressure, being up against the wind, and the second half was the complete opposite. 

“Very much on the front foot, but yet again the wind played a massive part in that. The team were very happy to earn another clean sheet, bring home three more points and to still be unbeaten.”

Elliott-Wood explained that the wind, as well as a bit of encouragement from her teammates, played a crucial role in netting the opener.

She said: “When I finally got the ball to stay still, all I could hear was the girls telling me to shoot. At first I doubted myself but with the help of the wind and knowing that if I got the right height on the ball, it would end up in the back of the net. 

“I used to practice free-kicks when I was younger but now I focus my time on other aspects of the game so it’s good to know that I’m still very much capable.” 

This was the side’s first competitive match since the county cup exit to Gateshead Leam Rangers back in November, so to start the year off on a high note was undoubtedly the perfect outcome given the extended winter break perhaps disrupting the flow of a typical season. 

She added: “Of course it was a great feeling to be back after such a long break. As a player you always look forward to a match day so with a two month break I definitely started to miss it and I know the lasses have too, so to have won the first one back just made it that bit better.” 

Up next for the lasses is a tricky trip to Barnsley to face the NERWFL Premier Division leaders on Sunday, January 28th. More details will be shared with supporters closer to matchday.