May: SSFC Women’s Ponteland defeat was “disappointing”

Sunday’s skipper Natalie May says it was “disappointing” for South Shields Women to start 2025 on a low note. 

The team travelled up to Ponteland to face the newly-promoted outfit for the second time this season, following September’s 3-1 win against them in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.

It wasn’t to be this time around, however, as Annece Legg’s opener was cancelled out and then diminished as the hosts netted four on Sunday afternoon, in a 4-1 defeat for the Mariners. 

“It’s disappointing to start the new year with a result like Sunday’s,” she reflected. 

“I believe there were spells that went well and spells that weren’t good enough. 

“In games like that, we need to recognise areas we need to improve on, take them away and work on them – consistency is something big we need to work and focus on.”

As disappointed as the team may have been about the final result, there can be no denying that it was positive to get out there on the field, following the somewhat extended Christmas break.

It also marked the lasses’ first league outing in just over two months and May agreed that it was a good thing to get up and running once more. 

“Yeah,” she said,  “it was good for us to get going again. 

“We have had quite a few weeks off playing games on a Sunday due to the Christmas break and the weather but we have still been working hard in training to build and improve things, to be ready for 2025.”

In terms of positives, Legg’s opener was the key talking point from a Shields perspective and May is delighted for her teammate. 

She continued: “Annece’s goal was a big positive in the game; I’m really happy for Annece and especially for her confidence. 

“I can see Annece’s confidence building week on week and I have no doubt this will continue.”

There is always something to improve on, whether the final outcome was positive or negative, and Sunday’s game offered the team some things they can take on board to learn from.

“It can be tough at times to not be disheartened after a loss,” May finished, “however the only thing we should be taking away from games like this is recognising the things we need to learn and improve on. 

“I have no doubt that in the hands of our coaches, things will improve and get better – we know it’s also down to us as a team and individuals!”

The lasses host Alnwick Town Ladies this Sunday, January 19th, at Harton Welfare (2pm kick-off) as they look to shake off last week’s defeat in the NERWFL Premier Division. 

Image credit: Craig McNair (@ideventphoto)