Foster “really proud and grateful” to be a part of SSFC Women despite title heartbreak

South Shields Women’s Josie Foster says she is “really proud and grateful” to be a part of the club, despite the news that silverware is no longer on the table this year. 

She came on during the second half as the Mariners fell to a 5-1 defeat against champions-elect Barnsley FC Women, in what was the team’s final home game this season.

Shields made things difficult for themselves when the Reds scored twice in three minutes to secure a commanding 2-0 lead which couldn’t be overturned, even after Jaz Elliott-Wood got one back. 

“We definitely created hard work for ourselves by going 2-0 down, however the girls worked hard together and earned the goal,” Foster reflected. 

“I believe that score definitely did not reflect the actual game; we had so many chances but it just wasn’t our day.”

It is perhaps difficult to judge a game from the sidelines compared to being on the pitch, or up in the stands, and Foster offered some insight into that. 

She continued: “There’s definitely things you see from the side that are difficult to pick up when you're actually playing. 

“But it’s our job to communicate that to the girls on the pitch as best as possible. 

“It’s tough, especially when you can’t do anything yourself. It’s just about picking up on those things and applying them when you get on the pitch.”

Either way, 2023-24 has proven itself to be the club’s most successful season in its history. 

The team have won more games (13) than in any prior campaign in this tier, and they have also scored more goals (65) and picked up more points (41) too. 

Although it may not have ended with promotion this time, there is still a lot to be proud about.

“We’ve had an amazing season considering the things that have happened,” Foster shared. 

“We’ve really stuck together and grinded as a team. We couldn’t have done it without Alex [Miller], Becki [McMahon], Michael [Gowans], Adam [McGuinness] and Jake [Lumsdon]. 

“I’m really proud and grateful to be a part of this team with these girls and coaching staff we have – there’s definitely bigger and better things coming next season!”

The lasses end their campaign with a trip to Sunderland West End Ladies on Wednesday night for a 7pm kick-off. 

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Image credit: @ideventphoto